Abstract: A syringe is provided that has an opaque barrel and a light colored outlet portion. The opaque barrel protects dental composite material or other light-activating material contained in the barrel from premature exposure to light. The light colored outlet portion has a color that is similar to that of the dental composite material. The outlet portion may be tubular and extend coaxially within the barrel beyond the barrel. The outlet portion may include a divider that divides the material into at least two separate portions.

Abstract: A dental instrument is configured to be positioned adjacent the teeth and gums of a patient without injuring or causing pain to sensitive teeth or gums. The dental instrument includes: (i) a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, the main body being configured to be grasped by a practitioner; (ii) an elastomeric member coupled to the distal end of the main body such that abutment of the elastomeric member against the teeth or gums of a patient does not injure or cause pain to the teeth or gums; and (iii) a plurality of fibers disposed on the elastomeric member. The fibers can be used to remove air bubbles from impression material, or for a variety of other uses. The instrument may be in the form of an applicator or delivery tip, for example. The instrument can have a non-slip gripping surface.

Abstract: A syringe is provided that has an opaque barrel and a light colored outlet portion. The opaque barrel protects dental composite material or other light-activating material contained in the barrel from premature exposure to light. The light colored outlet portion has a color that is similar to that of the dental composite material. The outlet portion may be tubular and extend coaxially within the barrel beyond the barrel. The outlet portion may include a divider that divides the material into at least two separate portions.

Abstract: A syringe is provided for delivering compositions having a hollow elongated barrel engaged by a plunger with a unique plunger tip. The plunger tip extends from a round and hollow sidewall of the stem of the plunger by bifurcating into an inset branch and a spring lever. The inset branch and the spring lever define a radial tensioning groove. The lower portion of the spring lever is flat while the upper portion of the spring lever flares outward at an angle with respect to the lower portion and then terminates at a rounded distal contact end. As a result, the diameter of the spring lever at the rounded distal contact end is slightly greater than the diameter of the inside of the barrel before the plunger is inserted into the barrel. The spring lever is sufficiently flexible that upon insertion of the plunger into the chamber of the barrel, the radial tensioning groove compresses due to the spring lever flexing toward the inset branch.

Abstract: A dental instrument is configured to be positioned adjacent the teeth and gums of a patient without injuring or causing pain to sensitive teeth or gums. The dental instrument includes: (i) a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, the main body being configured to be grasped by a practitioner; (ii) an elastomeric member coupled to the distal end of the main body such that abutment of the elastomeric member against the teeth or gums of a patient does not injure or cause pain to the teeth or gums; and (iii) a plurality of fibers disposed on the elastomeric member. The fibers can be used to remove air bubbles from impression material, or for a variety of other uses. The instrument may be in the form of an applicator or delivery tip, for example. The instrument can have a non-slip gripping surface.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes: (i) a hook; and (ii) a fishing lure substrate coupled to the hook. The fishing lure substrate includes: (A) a fishing lure substrate body having an outer surface; (B) a water insoluble adhesive layer on the outer surface; and (C) flocking fibers electrostatically deposited on adhesive layer. The fibers are affixed at one end by the adhesive layer to the substrate body. The opposing end of the flocking fibers extends away from the substrate body. The fibers are configured such that air is entrapped between intrafibral spaces. Methods for forming the fishing lure and a kit including a hook and a preflocked substrate configured to be selectively coupled to the hook are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable flow syringe is provided that comprises a slidable plunger within a barrel. The barrel has a flow discharge end wherein a neck is located. The neck has a conduit extending therethrough which has an outlet and an inlet such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the barrel.The adjustable flow syringe includes either a valve insert or a porous insert in the conduit which is configured to adjust the flow rate of a fluid leaving the syringe such that a low amount of manually applied force delivers the fluid in drops. The valve insert is formed from a resilient material and conforms to the contours of the conduit. The valve insert has a portion that extends across the conduit outlet with an opening formed therethrough. The porous insert is formed from a porous material and is configured with a shape corresponding to the shape of the conduit so that fluid passes through the conduit primarily via the pores of the porous insert.

Abstract: An annular sealing ring with a generally Y-shaped cross-section for sealing between a piston and the curved wall of a cylinder. The sealing ring includes a base with one or more horizontal ribs extending outwardly from each side thereof and a pair of lips with sealing edges, the lips being spaced apart to form a cavity therebetween wherein a solid, elastic expander ring is retained. The cavity is bounded by the similarly opposed inner surface of the lips. The expander ring is seated in a portion of the cavity so that a void is created in the cavity below the expander ring.