Abstract: Electrical propulsion systems and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrical propulsion system may include an electrically-actuated valve to selectively permit flow of propellant from a reservoir tank to a thruster. The valve may physically isolate the propellant from the thruster when inactivated, exhibiting a non-wetting surface which may inhibit propellant from passing through the valve towards the thrusters. In some embodiments, a valve may be activated through application of a voltage potential to the valve relative to the propellant, which may change the wettability of the valve, permitting propellant to wet and subsequently pass through the valve. The voltage potential may be adjusted to vary the wettability of the valve, resulting in the valve effectively regulating propellant flow rate. The valve may include a conductive layer, a dielectric or insulating layer, and a non-wetting layer to enhance the non-wetting behavior of the valve.

Abstract: Electrical propulsion systems and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, an electrical propulsion system may include an electrically-actuated valve to selectively permit flow of propellant from a reservoir tank to a thruster. The valve may physically isolate the propellant from the thruster when inactivated, exhibiting a non-wetting surface which may inhibit propellant from passing through the valve towards the thrusters. In some embodiments, a valve may be activated through application of a voltage potential to the valve relative to the propellant, which may change the wettability of the valve, permitting propellant to wet and subsequently pass through the valve. The voltage potential may be adjusted to vary the wettability of the valve, resulting in the valve effectively regulating propellant flow rate. The valve may include a conductive layer, a dielectric or insulating layer, and a non-wetting layer to enhance the non-wetting behavior of the valve.

Abstract: A method and a kit for the positioning of a small object, such as a dental restoration, in a specific desired location, includes a handle portion and a head portion having bristles. The method includes the steps of placing a non-molten glue pellet on the exterior surface of the object, applying heat to the pellet to melt it, positioning a head portion of a restoration placement device having bristles in the melted glue to receive the object on the end portion of the device, placing the object in its desired location, and removing the restoration placement device from the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pre-loaded placement tool (10) useful for positioning small objects. The head portion (14) of the placement tool (10) is pre-loaded with a heat-activated adhesive (16) and the body (12) of tool (10) includes a flange (18) cooperating with receiving bracket (24) of a heating device (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pre-loaded placement tool (10) useful for positioning small objects. The head portion (14) of the placement tool (10) is pre-loaded with a heat-activated adhesive (16) and the body (12) of tool (10) includes a flange (18) cooperating with receiving bracket (24) of a heating device (20).

Abstract: A method, a device and a kit for the positioning of a small object, such as a dental restoration, in a specific desired location is disclosed. Conventional techniques to secure dental restorations have depended upon various rod-like handles tipped with sticky wax or nectar-like bulbs. These techniques are generally limited in their effectiveness due to their weak and unpredictable bond. The present placement device includes a handle portion (12) and a head portion (14) comprising bristles (16). The present method includes the steps of placing a glue pellet (18) on the exterior surface of the object, applying heat to the pellet to melt it, positioning a head portion (14) of a restoration placement device having bristles (16) in the melted glue to receive the object on the end portion of the device, placing the object in its desired location and removing the restoration placement device from the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental photographic tool and more particularly a dental photographic tool to assist in intra-oral photography using extra-oral cameras. The dental photographic tool being portable and optionally heated and including a mirrored portion that is releasably connected to a handle portion.