Abstract: A base is configured to stabilize rolling movement of the exercise ball under the influence of a user seated on the ball. The base defines a range in which rolling movement of the ball is unimpeded by the base, and has an obstacle portion configured to impede rolling movement of the ball beyond that range. This enables the base to stabilize the ball and the seated user upon rolling movement of the ball into contact with the obstacle portion of the base.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition is provided for the formulation of a hand exercise device having a variety of configurations. The compositions comprise 140 parts by weight of a diol; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a diisocyanate compound, the diols and diisocyanate compounds being selected from the group consisting of reactants capable of forming polyurethanes; from about one to 30 percent by weight of a plasticizer, based upon the weight of the polyurethane composition; and from 0 to about 100 parts by weight of a mineral filler, based upon 100 parts by weight of the polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A connector (10) for securing an exercise member (12) to a section of flexible material (18) includes a slide (50) and first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops. First (20) and second (22) cinchable loops are formed in the material (18) and in cooperation with the slide (50) and are connected by a third loop (24). The third loop (24) has a first end (30) and a second end (32) that are restrained by a restraint (40). The restraint (40) prevents the first (20) and second (22) cinchable loops from pulling out of the frame (50). The connector (10) secures an exercise member (12) by holding the exercise member (12) in the two cinchable loops (20,22). The connector (10) may also be used to anchor an exercise member (12) to a door (300), a door hold (16), or a hand hold (14). Multiple connectors (10) may also be used in conjunction with a single section of material (18) to provide additional and varying exercise device configurations.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition is provided for the formulation of a hand exercise device having a variety of configurations. The compositions comprise 140 parts by weight of a diol; from about 50 to 70 parts by weight of a diisocyanate compound, the diols and diisocyanate compounds being selected from the group consisting of reactants capable of forming polyurethanes; from about one to 30 percent by weight of a plasticizer, based upon the weight of the polyurethane composition; and from 0 to about 100 parts by weight of a mineral filler, based upon 100 parts by weight of the polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A method for applying a therapeutic heat treatment to a body part comprises the steps of placing a suitable fluid (20) in a container (10); placing wax (22) in the container; heating the combination (16) of the wax (22) and the fluid (20) until the wax (22) has melted forming a layer and the fluid (20) has reached the treatment temperature; and passing the body part (40) through the layer of wax (46) and into the fluid to form a glove around the body part. The present invention also provides for a kit (60) for providing therapeutic heat treatment, the kit comprising a microwavable container (20) a removable lid (30); and a quantity of wax (22).

Abstract: An appliance (20) for use in conjunction with the obturation of prepared root canals employing a rigid carrier member (23) coated with a thermoplastic material (29) comprises an instrument (40) having a barrel (41), a movable plunger (43), and an orifice (48), and a quantity of the thermoplastic material (29) within the barrel. The orifice has a diameter greater than the distal end (30) of the rigid member, the member being insertable through the orifice and into the thermoplastic material whereby upon extrusion of a quantity of the thermoplastic material from the barrel, the rigid member is provided carrying a coating of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method for retaining a dental dam comprises the steps of positioning a dental dam (11) over a plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient; selecting a section of elastomeric cord (10); elongating the section to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof; interposing a portion of the elongated section between at least two adjacent teeth and over the dam; and allowing the section to expand toward its original cross-sectional area thereby prohibiting the removal of the dam from the teeth. Also provided in combination with a dental dam (11) having a plurality of individual holes to fit over a like plurality of teeth in the mouth of a patient, is an elastomeric cord (10) having a first, relaxed diameter and a second elongated diameter of lesser dimension than the first, the second diameter being interposed between a pair of adjacent teeth and over the dam in position with respect to the teeth, wherein the first diameter forms an elastomeric wedge between the teeth to retain the dam.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having unique thermal characteristics including the step of cooling the polymer during extended mastication until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.

Abstract: A novel process for providing a thermoplastic polymer having novel thermal characteristics including the critical step of masticating the polymer, either continuously or discontinuously, until the melt index of the polymer is substantially increased.