Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel banding systems that can be used to provide containment of a filling material during treatment of a tooth. In some embodiments, the systems can compensate for missing walls in a tooth to provide containment of a filling material during reconstruction of the tooth. Some embodiments include a system that includes a band. The band includes a plurality of sections and the plurality of sections includes a plurality of support sections and a plurality of elastic sections. In such embodiments, a pair of the plurality of support sections is connected by at least one elastic section of the plurality of elastic sections. And, in such embodiments, the band is configured to fit around side surfaces of a tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for providing a conversation bridge for ear-wearable devices. A method includes receiving, at a central device, a first wireless signal from one or more first hearing devices configured to be worn by a first user via a first wireless connection, and a second wireless signal from one or more second hearing devices configured to be worn by a second user via a second wireless connection. The central device transmits to the one or more first hearing devices and the one or more second hearing devices, one or more audio packets based on the received first and second wireless signals.

Abstract: A tee holder article of manufacture for holding golf tees provides one or more loops of material, each loop sized to hold a golf tee, mounted to a backing. The tee holder is attached to an item of apparel, such as a hat or visor, at an attachment portion of the backing.

Abstract: A local area network and method for operating the same is disclosed. The local computer network is connected to a wide area network by a node that receives network communications from computers on the local network. The node includes a registration system for assigning one of a plurality of predetermined states to each of the computers on the network, the states determining the types of communications allowed by that computer on the wide area network. The registration system assigns a first one of the states to one of the computers when that computer provides registration information to the registration system and a second state when the computer provides authentication information to an authentication site. A computer on the network has restricted access to the wide area network when assigned the first state and less restricted access to the wide area network when assigned the second state.

Abstract: A local area network and method for operating the same is disclosed. The local computer network is connected to a wide area network by a node that receives network communications from computers on the local network. The node includes a registration system for assigning one of a plurality of predetermined states to each of the computers on the network, the states determining the types of communications allowed by that computer on the wide area network. The registration system assigns a first one of the states to one of the computers when that computer provides registration information to the registration system and a second state when the computer provides authentication information to an authentication site. A computer on the network has restricted access to the wide area network when assigned the first state and less restricted access to the wide area network when assigned the second state.