Abstract: A portable steam generator includes a power source in a housing, a water tank in the housing, a heating element in the housing and configured to heat water in the water tank to produce steam using power from the power source, and a track on the housing configured to support the portable steam generator in an installation position and allow manual removal from the installation position. A pre-plumbed integrated bathroom panel includes a plumbing inlet configured to provide water to the panel, a water outlet connected to the plumbing inlet, a steam outlet connected to the plumbing inlet and a heating element, a sanitizing outlet connected to the plumbing inlet and an additive generator, valves for directing water from the plumbing inlet to the at least one water outlet, the at least one steam outlet, and the at least one sanitizing outlet, and a controller configured to operate at least the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A method of making a transfer apparatus includes providing a physical mockup having a shape that corresponds to a positive shape of a patient's dental arch and a positive shape of one or more appliance analogs including ramps extending in a generally gingival direction from the analog. A transfer tray may be formed over the physical mockup, with the transfer tray representing a negative replica of at least a portion of the mockup. One or more receptacles and related channels are accordingly formed in the ray, each receptacle approximating a least a portion of the shape of an appliance analog and each channel approximating at least a portion of the shape of a ramp. An appliance associated with an appliance analog is placed into a receptacle of the one or more receptacles, and the appliance may be bonded to a tooth surface of the patient's dental arch.

Abstract: Biomarkers for the detection and identification of a precursor of conventional dendritic cell (cDC) (pre-DC) and its cell subsets (pre-cDC1 or pre-cDC2), are defined, which include CD169, CD327, AXL, CD271, CD324 and combinations thereof for detecting pre-DCs. Methods for detecting a disease or condition, prognosis of an existing disease or condition comprising determining the number of pre-DC cells in sample from a subject as compared to control, as well as methods of treating a patient comprising administration of antibodies against CD169, CD327, AXL, CD271, CD324 and combinations thereof are also disclosed. In addition, an immunogenic composition comprising one or more binding molecules specific for one or more biomarkers or antigen of a target disease and/or one or more cells selected from the group consisting of early pre-DC, pre-cDC1 and pre-cDC2 are also disclosed for eliciting an immune response against an infectious disease or cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing an infection, a neoplastic disease or an immune-related disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising contacting a therapeutically effective or immuno-effective amount of an TLR9 agonist, specifically CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 2216 (CpG ODN), with a precursor dendritic cell (pre-DC), wherein the TLR9 agonist stimulates the pre-DC to secrete one or more cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-12p40, to thereby activate or increase the subject's immune response for treating or preventing the infection, the neoplastic disease or the immune-related disease. The present invention also relates to immunogenic or adjuvant compositions comprising the TLR9 agonist. A method of diagnosing a deficient immune system in a subject, comprising contacting a sample comprising pre-DC from the subject with one or more TLR 9 agonists and kits thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

Abstract: Biomarkers for the detection and identification of a precursor of conventional dendritic cell (cDC) (pre-DC) and its cell subsets (pre-cDC1 or pre-cDC2), are defined, which include CD169, CD327, AXL, CD271, CD324 and combinations thereof for detecting pre-DCs. Methods for detecting a disease or condition, prognosis of an existing disease or condition comprising determining the number of pre-DC cells in sample from a subject as compared to control, as well as methods of treating a patient comprising administration of antibodies against CD169, CD327, AXL, CD271, CD324 and combinations thereof are also disclosed. In addition, an immunogenic composition comprising one or more binding molecules specific for one or more biomarkers or antigen of a target disease and/or one or more cells selected from the group consisting of early pre-DC, pre-cDC1 and pre-cDC2 are also disclosed for eliciting an immune response against an infectious disease or cancer.

Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth based on the input data, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter along the three-dimensional surface to produce gingival margin data. Methods also include receiving point input data that defines a point on the virtual tooth, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system based on the axis input and the computed vector.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: Interactive, computer based orthodontist treatment planning, appliance design and appliance manufacturing is described. A scanner is described which acquires images of the dentition which are converted to three-dimensional frames of data. The data from the several frames are registered to each other to provide a complete three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition. Individual tooth objects are obtained from the virtual model. A computer-interactive software program provides for treatment planning, diagnosis and appliance from the virtual tooth models. A desired occlusion for the patient is obtained from the treatment planning software. The virtual model of the desired occlusion and the virtual model of the original dentition provide a base of information for custom manufacture of an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner is also described. The illustrated embodiment is in-vivo scanning of human teeth for purposes of orthodontic treatment planning and diagnosis.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. For example, the scanner is simply swept over the surface of the object by hand. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner in X, Y and Z directions is also described. The scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including medical and industrial purposes.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. For example, the scanner is simply swept over the surface of the object by hand. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner in X, Y and Z directions is also described. The scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including medical and industrial purposes.