Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel, ready-to-use protease composition in the form of a film or pouch composition. The protease composition can be used for stabilizing a biological sample containing a nucleic acid molecule for storage or transportation. It allows quick removal of protein contamination in the biological sample, thus facilitating sample preparation for nucleic acid detection or extraction.

Abstract: A device for capturing and releasing magnetically susceptible particles includes a housing and a retraction mechanism. A permanent axially magnetized cylindrical magnet is coupled to the retraction mechanism and a distal end of the magnet extends from a distal end of the housing. The retraction mechanism is configured to position the distal end of the magnet at one of three different predetermined distances from the distal end of the housing: retracted, protracted and hyper-protracted. A sleeve is provided over the housing distal end and when the magnet is in the protracted position, magnetically susceptible particles are gathered, when in the retracted position, magnetically susceptible particles are released and the sleeve is ejected when the magnet is positioned at a point between the protracted and the hyper-protracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel, ready-to-use protease composition in the form of a film or pouch composition. The protease composition can be used for stabilizing a biological sample containing a nucleic acid molecule for storage or transportation. It allows quick removal of protein contamination in the biological sample, thus facilitating sample preparation for nucleic acid detection or extraction.

Abstract: A system for producing a customized beverage or beverage concentrate is disclosed. The system comprises a personalization server and a distribution machine communicatively coupled to the personalization server. The personalization server is configured to receive need and want information associated with a consumer, analyze the need and want information, apply a plurality of rules to the analyzed need and want information, and produce one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes based on the analysis of the need and want information and the application of the plurality of rules. The distribution machine is configured to receive the one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes from the personalization server and produce and deliver at least one customized beverage or beverage concentrate based on the one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes to the consumer by combining one or more beverage ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for isolating cell-free nucleic acid (including both DNA and RNA) or an analog thereof from a bodily fluid, and which entails: a) mixing in a container the bodily fluid, a chaotropic agent in solid form, a detergent and a buffer, and a solid phase which includes magnetic particles, thus forming a reaction mixture containing the cell-free nucleic acid; b) magnetically separating the solid phase having the cell-free nucleic acid bound thereto from the reaction mixture; and optionally c) dissociating the nucleic acid from the solid phase. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for isolating cell-free nucleic acid (including both DNA and RNA) or an analog thereof from a bodily fluid, and which entails: a) mixing in a container the bodily fluid, a chaotropic agent in solid form, a detergent and a buffer, and a solid phase which includes magnetic particles, thus forming a reaction mixture containing the cell-free nucleic acid; b) magnetically separating the solid phase having the cell-free nucleic acid bound thereto from the reaction mixture; and optionally c) dissociating the nucleic acid from the solid phase. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for isolating cell-free nucleic acid (including both DNA and RNA) or an analog thereof from a bodily fluid, and which entails: a) mixing in a container the bodily fluid, a chaotropic agent in solid form, a detergent and a buffer, and a solid phase which includes magnetic particles, thus forming a reaction mixture containing the cell-free nucleic acid; b) magnetically separating the solid phase having the cell-free nucleic acid bound thereto from the reaction mixture; and optionally c) dissociating the nucleic acid from the solid phase. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for producing a customized beverage or beverage concentrate is disclosed. The system comprises a personalization server and a distribution machine communicatively coupled to the personalization server. The personalization server is configured to receive need and want information associated with a consumer, analyze the need and want information, apply a plurality of rules to the analyzed need and want information, and produce one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes based on the analysis of the need and want information and the application of the plurality of rules. The distribution machine is configured to receive the one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes from the personalization server and produce and deliver at least one customized beverage or beverage concentrate based on the one or more customized beverage or beverage concentrate recipes to the consumer by combining one or more beverage ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for isolating cell-free nucleic acid (including both DNA and RNA) or an analog thereof from a bodily fluid, and which entails: a) mixing in a container the bodily fluid, a chaotropic agent in solid form, a detergent and a buffer, and a solid phase which includes magnetic particles, thus forming a reaction mixture containing the cell-free nucleic acid; b) magnetically separating the solid phase having the cell-free nucleic acid bound thereto from the reaction mixture; and optionally c) dissociating the nucleic acid from the solid phase. Compositions and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of supplying consumables to a beverage making machine includes receiving at least one of a beverage making cartridge including at least a solid gas source shipped by way of a no-high-pressure-gas-allowed-delivery-service to the consumer, the solid gas source through sublimation emits a gas, inserting the beverage making cartridge, into a beverage making machine, pressurizing a gas storage tank arranged to store the gas, the beverage making machine further including the gas storage tank, and utilizing the gas to form a plurality of beverages. Exemplary embodiments include sending a notification to a consumer wireless device, and allowing the consumer to reorder by way of the consumer wireless device.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied to irrigate and clean the canal. A fluid is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal and a vacuum is supplied via the cannula. Alternately, the fluid may be supplied through the cannula and vacuum through the tube. The tube and cannula may or may not pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The cleaning may be performed using a cannula having a slight taper with one or a series of larger holes near the top and smaller holes near the bottom; or a pair of cannulas of substantially the same diameter and taper, one with one or a series of larger holes near the top, while the other one with one or a series of holes near the bottom of the cannula.

Abstract: A dental illumination system includes an adjustable self-supporting frame and a lamp head coupled to the frame. The lamp head includes a housing and a spacer having formations that is adapted to removably mechanically couple the lamp head to a reference device, again having formations, for facilitating illumination of a tooth by a light source contained within the lamp head. The spacer and lamp head may be formed integrally. If formed separately, both the lamp head and the spacer may include formations.

Abstract: A dental lamp boom hinge includes a pivot supporting a dental lamp head and a base supporting the pivot where the pivot may be rotated about a substantially vertical axis with respect to the base. The rotational movement between the pivot and the base is damped with a damping device. The damping device in one embodiment is adjustable to provide a variable level of damping.

Abstract: A system and method for tooth whitening are disclosed wherein at least one peroxide-containing gel and at least one transition metal compound- containing gel, particularly at least one lower atomic number transition metal compound, more particularly at least a ferrous compound including gluconate, sulfate, nitrate, acetate or mixtures thereof, are applied to a patient's mouth. Gelling agent is also included. The activation of the peroxide whitens the patient's teeth. The system may be used with or without the application of light. The system further provides an additional gel including a sensitivity reduction compound including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate or mixtures thereof for possible sensitivity treatment if needed.

Abstract: A two-component whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. The system has a first component with at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component with at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retracting device for retracting at least a portion of a user's mouth. The retracting device includes formations, which may be inter-engaging and/or non-inter-engaging with other dental tools or apparatus. The formations are adapted for repeatably positioning a subject's mouth with respect to a light system, and/or an imaging film, and/or a dental tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved endodontic instrument. The instrument can be constructed of a ribbon of material such as any material that has a suitable edge for cutting and can be twisted or bent into any desired shape. The ribbon can be made of a metal, a polymeric film or combinations thereof. The ribbon can have a straight edge or a serrated one. The instrument is in the shape of a cone, tapering towards one end. It has a hollow interior and cutting edges disposed in a helical pattern along its length. The instrument can perform various or all of the functions of any endodontic instrument used in the root canal procedure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic instruments is disclosed. Each of the instruments includes a substantially non-cutting pilot portion, a relatively short working portion, and a flexible shank portion which is of a substantially smaller average circumferential span than the working portion. The working portion of the instrument has a maximum circumferential span larger than that of the blank from which it is made. The instrument may have a handle at its distal end for manual manipulation, or may be adapted for attachment to a mechanical handpiece. The non-cutting pilot, the short length of the working portion, and the flexibility of the shank combine to allow the instrument to be used in curved root canals without causing undue change in the natural root canal contours.

Abstract: A whitening system has a de-sensitizing effect as well as re-mineralizing capability. The system may be a one-component or a two-component composition. The system may also be an unfoamed, a foamed or a foamable composition. For a one-component system, a sparingly soluble calcium phosphate salt may be in dry particle form with at least one gelling agent, wherein the salt is capable of sustained release of both calcium and phosphate ions into saliva upon exposure of the particle thereto and providing a hydroxyapatite remineralization. In a two component system, a first component has at least one peroxide compound, at least one source of phosphate and at least one gelling agent; and a second component has at least one source of calcium, strontium and/or mixtures thereof. The second component may also contain at least one gelling agent, and the composition maybe present as a foam or is foamable. The composition may be packed in a two-compartment syringe, or be present in a carrier or coated onto a substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing endodontic instruments is disclosed. Each of the instruments includes a substantially non-cutting pilot portion, a relatively short working portion, and a flexible shank portion which is of a substantially smaller average circumferential span than the working portion. The working portion of one instrument may have a maximum circumferential span as that of the blank from which it is made. The instrument may be treated with either a surface treatment and/or a bulk treatment. The instrument may have a handle at its distal end for manual manipulation, or may be adapted for attachment to a mechanical handpiece. The non-cutting pilot, the short length of the working portion, and the flexibility of the shank combine to allow the instrument to be used in curved root canals without causing undue change in the natural root canal contours.