Abstract: Random, melt-processible copolyimides are disclosed herein. These copolyimides are semicrystalline and exhibit recoverable (semi)crystallinity from their melts. Associated processes, which entail either solution polymerization or melt polymerization, for producing and fabricating these copolyimides into useful articles having a predetermined shape are also disclosed.

Abstract: Random, melt-processible copolyimides are disclosed herein. These copolyimides are semicrystalline and exhibit recoverable (semi)crystallinity from their melts. Associated processes, which entail either solution polymerization or melt polymerization, for producing and fabricating these copolyimides into useful articles having a predetermined shape are also disclosed.

Abstract: Random, melt-processible copolyimides are disclosed herein. These copolyimides are semicrystalline and exhibit recoverable (semi)crystallinity from their melts. Associated processes, which entail either solution polymerization or melt polymerization, for producing and fabricating these copolyimides into useful articles having a predetermined shape are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tooth spacer has first and second tooth spacer body portions which each define at least one window therein. Extremely thin film, for example from about 0.0003 to about 0.0006 inch in thickness, is sandwiched between the tooth spacer body portions to form the tooth spacer. Portions of the gingival edge of the tooth spacer may be thinned to facilitate insertion of the tooth spacer between teeth.

Abstract: Tooth inserts are described for positioning between interproximal surfaces of teeth during a dental procedure. The tooth inserts have thin regions positioned in the interproximal contact area of the teeth.

Abstract: A jaw tracking device, which fits entirely in the mouth and can be attached to conventional removable dental appliances, tracks the location and movement of the lower jaw with high precision and speed when the mouth is closed or nearly closed by recording the projection of light from a light emitting diode, laser diode, or fiberoptic source fixed to the lower dental arch onto one or two position sensitive detectors (PSDS) fixed to the upper dental arch. Since the system acquires data quickly enough to record the minute deflections of the lower jawbone which occur each time the jaw is closed eccentrically, it can be used with acoustic sensors attached to the individual teeth in order to analyze a person's bite. Since each PSD relies on only four outputs, its data can be easily transmitted by telemetry so that it can be used to track the location of the jaw during sleep without requiring wires protruding from the mouth of the sleeping subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing tooth contact includes at least one, and more typically plural, vibration sensors which are coupled to the non-biting surfaces of teeth. These sensors produce output signals when the associated teeth contact one another during jaw closing, the output signals being processed to provide information concerning tooth contact. For example, information concerning the first tooth which contacts may be determined, the sequence of contact by various teeth may be determined, as well as the time between contact of the various teeth. Other information concerning tooth contact may also be determined and displayed in a variety of forms. The device may be implemented in circuit as well as in microprocessor forms. In addition, in combination with a jaw trajectory apparatus, the tooth contact information may be correlated with jaw trajectory information to provide a more complete indication of the stability of a patient's bite.

Abstract: Nonlinear optical elements are disclosed which comprise a polyimide which is solution and/or melt processible, and a poled NLO dye. Also disclosed is a process for making such elements, and devices in which they can be used.

Abstract: Nonlinear optical elements are disclosed which comprise a polyimide which is solution and/or melt processible, and a poled NLO dye. Also disclosed is a process for making such elements, and devices in which they can be used.

Abstract: The tooth spacer comprises an elongated body having two opposite side edges extending between gingival and occlusal edges. A recessed or thin central portion of the body extends from the gingival edge toward the occlusal edge. The recessed central portion is sufficiently thin so that it may be inserted between the interproximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth while minimizing any wedging of the teeth apart.

Abstract: A polyimide copolymer derived from 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride, oxydiphthalic dianhydride, m-phenylene diamine and 4,4'-oxydianiline, for use as a high-temperature resistant lift-off layer in the fabrication of integrated circuit substrates.

Abstract: A random polyimide copolymer, based on a rigid dianhydride, a rigid diamine and an additional diamine and/or dianhydride containing one or more flexibilizing linkages. Soft-baked coatings of the poly(amic acid) precursor are readily processed using conventional aqueous base developers, such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The polyimide and soft-baked coatings are useful as a dielectric layer In multichip module applications or as a stress buffer coating.

Abstract: Soluble polymeric precursors having oligomeric imide and amic acid segments, which are suitable to form segmented, preferably insoluble, polyimide copolymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel poly(arylene ether ketimine) gas separation membranes and a process for separating gases using such membranes.

Abstract: A dental splint is disclosed for changing the bite surface between upper and lower teeth to treat painful conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The interocclusal splint covers the teeth of a lower dental arch and interdigitates with the teeth of a second dental arch to change the bite surface and registration of upper and lower teeth which engage it. The splint includes a clip which mechanically locks the splint onto the teeth, and a mold retaining member which extends along the occlussal surfaces of adjacent teeth. The clip is placed between the interproximal spaces which separate adjacent teeth, and a plastic material, such as acrylic, is placed over the clips. The patient bites down on the plastic material such that an impression of the teeth is made in the splint and the jaws are positioned in a comfortable therapeutic position.

Abstract: A telescopic oral orthopedic appliance aligns the upper and lower jaws for treatment of the temporomandibular joint. It includes an extensible-contractable positioning device which extends between and alters the position of the mandible relative to the maxillae. The device is attached to upper and lower sets of teeth by an anchor which is embedded in a pair of opposing channel members which fit over the apex and inwardly and outwardly facing walls of the clinical crowns of a series of adjacent teeth. The length of the device is selectively variable to alter the position of the mandible forward or backward without sudden jumps or the need for removing the appliance from the mouth. The positioning device includes a rod and sleeve assembly with the rod and sleeve being restrained against relative rotation.

Abstract: Polybenzazole polymer containing indan moieties may be synthesized. Those polymers can be fabricated into membranes, which are useful for gas separations.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel polyimides derived from alicyclic dianhydrides and a process for synthesizing the polyimides.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow in accordance with the present invention comprises a unitary body of feathers, foam or other resilient material with a deep generally hemispherical depression or aperture. The aperture receives the back of a user's head in such a manner that a portion of the weight of the head is supported generally on or substantially close to a mattress or the like beneath the pillow while the rest of the weight of the user's head is supported by the surrounding portion of the pillow. This design allows the user's head to rest generally on the same horizontal surface on which the remainder of the user's body rests. As a result, the head can shift backwardly into an ideal postural position in relation to the long axis of the user's body. Also, the aperture is eccentrically positioned in the body to provide different distances between the edge of the body and the aperture. Preferably, the pillow is rectangular with the aperture offset from the axes of the pillow.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel polyimide gas separation membranes derived from alicyclic dianhydrides and aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic diamines, and a process for using such membranes.