Abstract: A bilateral tongue base repositioner holds the lateral borders of the tongue base inferiorly and anteriorly by means of lateral tongue base contacting pads located at the posterior ends of a wire framework that rotates around and slides through slots at the posterior ends of the buccal walls of an upper oral appliance. The contour of the lateral tongue base contacting pads is flat transversely, with an inferior and anterior facing concavity. The inferiorly and anteriorly facing surfaces of the lateral tongue base contacting pads also have an intricately textured tongue gripping surface provided by transversely oriented grooves with anteriorly slanted walls that grip the tissue on top of the sides of the tongue base to prevent it from slipping posteriorly into the pharynx. The wire framework comprises two antero-posteriorly oriented arms that are connected posteriorly by a transverse member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a head piece, such as a headband or helmet, that fits around the cranium and includes one or more contractile elements which contract in synchrony with inspiration during sleep. The head piece is connected to a breath sensor which signals the timing of inspiration and software which incorporates the generated timing signals from the breath sensor to control the timing and release of the contraction of the head piece to coordinate with the user's breath. The breath sensor may comprise a variety of mechanisms such as a flow valve in the tubing of a CPAP or other type of automated breathing machine, an anemometer such as a hot wire anemometer to directly detect airflow in front of the nose or mouth, acoustic sensors to record breathing sounds, or a radar detector that monitors chest or abdomen movements from above the bed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a head piece, such as a headband or helmet, that fits around the cranium and includes one or more contractile elements which contract in synchrony with inspiration during sleep. The head piece is connected to a breath sensor which signals the timing of inspiration and software which incorporates the generated timing signals from the breath sensor to control the timing and release of the contraction of the head piece to coordinate with the user's breath. The breath sensor may comprise a variety of mechanisms such as a flow valve in the tubing of a CPAP or other type of automated breathing machine, an anemometer such as a hot wire anemometer to directly detect airflow in front of the nose or mouth, acoustic sensors to record breathing sounds, or a radar detector that monitors chest or abdomen movements from above the bed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for applying and holding a dental matrix strip against the side of a tooth which is to be filled. An embodiment of the device comprises a split ring that slidably receives a matrix. The split ring in this embodiment can have cushions on its ends sized to resist passage through matrix apertures following insertion of such cushions through these apertures when these components are slidably coupled together. This embodiment can also comprise respective matrix slots that receive portions of the split ring to at least partially conform the shape of the matrix to the shape of the split ring.

Abstract: A loop of cord, projecting out from one end of an elongate sleeve is placed around the base of a tooth and closed. In one preferred form, the cord includes elastic material so that, as the loop is closed around the tooth, the contractile force exerted by the stretched elastic cord around the circumference of the tooth at a part of the tooth which tapers toward the root tends to seat the cord apically (toward the apex of the root). The self-seating tendency of this loop of elastic cord as it is tightened around the base of a tooth more effectively separates the gingival tissues from the base of the tooth. As a result, good clean dry access to the margins of a crown or inlay is provided. In one form, the sleeve is of a heat shrinkable material and is heat shrunk to frictionally engage the cord.