Abstract: A wireless check authorization system and method that determines in real time, upon receipt of check information from a check writer, whether the check writer's checking account is open, whether the check writer has written more than a specified number of checks in a specified time period, whether the check writer's checking account has any unpaid checks, and/or whether the checking account has a positive account balance, using a standard off-the-shelf handheld wireless device, such as a text messaging enabled cell phone, web enabled cell phone, short message service enabled wireless device, wireless application protocol enabled cell phone, personal digital assistant, pager, mobile phone, or other suitable wireless device, that a check taker typically carries substantially at all times, is easy to use, low priced, cost effective, and indicates to the check taker, in a simple and easy to understand manner, whether or not to accept a check for payment.

Abstract: A percussor apparatus employing a reciprocal motor with improved performance characteristics is disclosed. The reciprocal motor is comprised of an armature, a solenoid or coil, a magnetic frame encompassing the armature and solenoid, and means for resiliently holding the armature in a position partially outside a magnetic field produced by the solenoid when an appropriate electrical signal is applied to the solenoid. Resilient bumpers which limit the travel of the armature as it reciprocates are disposed in a manner which enable the magnetic frame to form a substantially complete magnetic circuit for the magnetic field.Additionally, a bearing surface formed at the solenoid armature interface is adapted to allow the armature to reciprocate, and substantially eliminate any rotation of the armature about its longitudinal axis. Power supply means utilizing solid state technology is mounted within the housing containing the reciprocal motor.

Abstract: A typodont having one or more removable teeth which may be simultaneously locked in place by a single locking ring. The typodont includes a jaw member having one or more openings for receiving the shanks of the individual removable teeth and a parabolic arch-shaped groove cut in the jaw member which is in communication with each of the openings. The removable teeth each have a notch which is cut in the shank of the tooth with the notch being in alignment with the groove when the tooth is inserted in a jaw member opening. A locking ring having a locking portion which is shaped like the jaw member groove can be placed into the groove so that the locking portion will engage each of the notches in the shanks, thereby locking the removable teeth into place.

Abstract: A dental instrument for carrying amalgam from a mixing station to a patient's tooth cavity. The instrument includes an elongated handle which is rotatably coupled to a mirror frame. This frame supports an amalgam carrying bucket and a mirror. The bucket swings away from the frame for filling, and is locked in place, adjacent to the mirror for transferring amalgam into a cavity.