Abstract: A device use indicator (16), which is designed to signal a predetermined amount of use of a device as a function of the amount of vibration of the device is provided. The indicator is adapted to be coupled or attached to a device (10). The indicator includes a first disk (18), a second disk (20), and an intermediate layer (22) separating the first disk from the second disk. The first disk retains a chemical therein. In operation, when the device to which the use indicator is attached is used, vibration of the device and the indicator triggers release of the chemical from the first disk. The chemical then travels through the intermediate layer to be received by the second disk. The chemical, when received by the second disk in excess of a predetermined amount, creates a detectable indication. The detectable indication, for example, a color or shade change produced in the second disk, signals a user that the device has been used for a predetermined amount of time as a function of the amount of its vibration.

Abstract: Methods are included for quantitating the efficacy of oral care products at dislodging cells from biofilm test surfaces or inhibit or delay the accumulation of cells on a test surface. More specifically, the inventive methods measure the effectiveness of compositions and appliances in a test environment that models biofilm surface orientations that are encountered on a tooth surface, i.e. interproximal and subgingival tooth surfaces. The use of test surfaces that are removably attachable to a tooth prosthesis allow a variety of different quantitative methods to be applied to determine the amount of cells removed or deposited in a biofilm.

Abstract: Gum compositions containing effective amounts of antimicrobial agents that are released to the oral cavity during chewing. In specific embodiments, the antimicrobial agents are released from the gum at different rates and times.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising at least two antimicrobial agents exhibit reduced MIC values relative to the MIC for the agents making up the combination when measured alone. The compositions are useful as therapeutic agents such as in oral hygiene products.

Abstract: The invention provides fiber-optic detectors with rapid response times for measuring analytes in aqueous solutions, including blood. The detectors, because of their size, accuracy, and sterilizability may be used in vitro. In a preferred embodiment, pellets comprising a unique, permeable terpolymer of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride; and an indicator for an analyte are used as the detecting element of a fiber-optic sensor. Response times for pH testing are better than 150 seconds at t90%. The pellets are easily made by solvent casting techniques and failure rates are low.

Abstract: High molecular weight buffering compositions and polymeric buffering compositions incorporating such compositions are described. The compositions are useful in applications where lower molecular weight buffers are unsatisfactory because of their tendency to leak out of an encapsulating membrane. Methods of making such compositions are described, as well as a particular application in a fiber optic carbon dioxide physiological probe.

Abstract: High molecular weight buffering compositions and polymeric buffering compositions incorporating such compositions are described. The compositions are useful in applications where lower molecular weight buffers are unsatisfactory because of their tendency to leak out of an encapsulating membrane. Methods of making such compositions are described, as well as a particular application in a fiber optic carbon dioxide physiological probe.

Abstract: High molecular weight buffering compositions and polymeric buffering compositions incorporating such compositions are described. The compositions are useful in applications where lower molecular weight buffers are unsatisfactory because of their tendency to leak out of an encapsulating membrane. Methods of making such compositions are described, as well as a particular application in a fiber optic carbon dioxide physiological probe.

Abstract: Fiber optic sensors suitable for monitoring physiological analyte concentrations are described. The sensors include analyte permeable matrices disposed in a light path defined by the axial core at one end of an optical fiber segment. The matrix contains an indicator molecule covalently linked to a polymer or admixed with the polymer. The indicator molecule may be an absorptive molecule or a luminescent molecule. pH, PCO.sub.2, and PO.sub.2 sensors are described and may be disposed together in substantially coterminal arrangement to make a multivariable probe.

Abstract: A O.sub.2 /CO.sub.2 /pH compound gas probe comprising a single optical waveguide and a method for making the same. The optical waveguide carries light signals at different wavelengths for monitoring oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, and pH levels. The probe is designed so that light signals used to monitor carbon dioxide concentration are optically prevented from impinging on the sensor used to monitor the pH level.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring analyte concentration in fluids using fiber optic sensors that include analyte permeable matrices disposed in a light path at one end of an optical fiber waveguide. The analyte permeable matrix includes an indicator molecular capable of responding to the analyte in an optically detectable manner. The absorbance or emission from the analyte permeable matrix after irradiation is used to determine the concentration of the analyte in the fluid as a function of the measured absorbance or emission. Methods for manufacturing fiber optic sensors useful in a method of monitoring analyte concentration in a fluid include casting a polymer film that includes an indicator molecule capable of responding to the analyte in an optically detectable manner. Disks or pellets are punched from the film and applied to the end of an optical fiber waveguide.

Abstract: Fiber-optic sensors suitable for monitoring physiological analyte concentration. An analyte-permeable matrix is disposed in the light path defined by the axial core at one end of an optical fiber segment. The matrix contains an indicator molecule covalently linked to a polymer, preferably methyl methacrylate/methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride, N-vinylpyrrolidone/p-aminostyrene, methyl methacrylate/hydroxymethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate/N-vinylpyrrolidone, or methyl methacrylate/acrylic acid. In representative embodiments, the polymer is approximately 94:6 mole/mole percent of either methyl methacrylate/methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride or N-vinylpyrrolidone/p-aminostyrene copolymer. Drift-free performance is obtained with such sensors having analyte-permeable matrices of significantly less than about 70 microns in thickness.

Abstract: Method of reversibly coupling optical fibers using an elastomeric composition adhered to the end of at least one optical fiber. The elastomeric composition remains stable after multiple connections and disconnections and protects the ends of the optical fibers from damage unlike conventional coupling gels or epoxy resin adhesives.