Abstract: A mouth brush having a frame with first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis and formed from a solid material such as hard plastic. Conventional tooth brush bristles are mounted on the first end of the frame and extend down to define a first orientation perpendicular to the axis. Soft rubber nubs are mounted on the first end and extend perpendicularly from the axis in all other directions from the first orientation. These nubs are sufficiently soft to gently massage all oral tissue without changing one's toothbrushing routine. The device minimizes exfoliation of tissue layers in the mouth. A second material is also formed on the frame as a handle portion. The handle portion may be a soft material such as soft rubber so as to increase the user's grip when wet with water.

Abstract: An in line mechanical timing valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet capable of being coupled to a water source and an outlet. A valve housing is fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet to control water flow between the inlet and the outlet. A bisecting cylinder is installed perpendicular to the inlet and outlet. The bisecting cylinder has a central axis and a diaphragm which has an open position allowing water flow to the outlet and a closed position preventing water flow to the outlet. A dial knob has an extended position and a retracted position. The dial knob is rotatable about the central axis of the bisecting cylinder when in the retracted position. A timing mechanism has a windup shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder. One end of the windup shaft has one end coupled to the dial knob which allows the timing mechanism to be set by the dial knob. A shaft parallel to the central axis of the bisecting cylinder is inserted through the timing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a training aid which may be used with a playing device such as a golf club or baseball bat. Embodiments of the present invention may be temporarily attached to a playing device and modify how a person holds, or grips, the playing device. The present invention comprises a first portion that may be temporarily attached to part of the playing device that is gripped by a person. When the present invention is temporarily attached to a playing device and a person grips the present invention, a second portion extends at least part of one finger of the person a distance from the playing device.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: An adjustable spray wand is disclosed. The spray wand comprises a spray head body, a swiveling member, a locking mechanism, and a handle. The spray head body is rotatably coupled to the swiveling member. The spray head further has a locking mechanism having a contact arm having a first position allowing the swiveling member to rotate relative to the spray head body and an engagement position engaging the swiveling member and locking the swiveling member in one position. The swiveling member is coupled to a handle with a conduit, which may be coupled to a water source. In operation, water flows from the water source, through the handle, through the swiveling member, through the spray head body, and out of the outlets in a variably selected spray pattern.

Abstract: We disclose a method of measuring an emulsion or solids deposition in a fluid sample, comprising charging the sample to a Couette device; subjecting the sample in the Couette device to a pressure, a temperature, and a shear comparable to field conditions; changing at least one of the pressure, temperature, composition, or shear of the sample; and quantifying the type and amount of solids deposited on the interior walls of the Couette device. We also disclose Couette devices which can be used in the method.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A customized dental treatment tray comprising a thermoplastic material such as ULDPE is formed from a preformed tray or sheet using a person's own teeth as a template. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising a material such as ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized treatment tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental treatment tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A mouthguard for use by athletes in competition and the like, including a first portion formed from a ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material and having a teeth engaging shape and having a freezing point of less than 130° F. The first portion is formed into a tray having a generally U-shape with a tab extending out from the tray. The tray has a plurality of holes therein. A second portion formed from a block styrene copolymer is mounted on the first portion such that part of the second portion extends through the plurality of holes in the first portion to lock the two portions together. The second portion is formed from a gel material having sufficient softness to protect the user from damage during use in the athletic competition.

Abstract: A dental tray for treating teeth using upper and lower jaw patterns formed from dental wax. The patterns are thin, ranging from about 0.02 to 0.08 inches thick, with 0.04 inches preferred. The wax is capable of softening at body temperature. The patterns include a fold line formed along their lengths so an outer portion extends from the fold line about the length of the average person's front teeth, for example, about 0.625 inches. The inner portion is slightly smaller, for example, about 0.375 inches. The inner portions have gaps to permit the folded pattern to fit inside the patient's mouth. The inside of the tray may be textured to assist in holding bleaching material. The tray can be reused, and it is suitable for bleaching, fluoride treatment, stain removal, and other conventional dental procedures.

Abstract: A dental tray having a planar portion and a single wall, useful for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, desensitizing teeth, antibacterial treatments and other dental operations. At least one groove or bead, either continuous or segmented, divides the planar portion into a first planar portion and a second foldable portion inside the tray that can be raised by the patient to form an inner wall after the tray has been inserted into the patient's mouth. The tray is formed from any dental tray material. Preferred are copolymer formed from ethylene and vinyl acetate having a forming temperature between 125° F. and 135° F. and a freezing point between about 80° F. and 106° F.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: We disclose a method of measuring an emulsion or solids deposition in a fluid sample, comprising charging the sample to a Couette device; subjecting the sample in the Couette device to a pressure, a temperature, and a shear comparable to field conditions; changing at least one of the pressure, temperature, composition, or shear of the sample; and quantifying the type and amount of solids deposited on the interior walls of the Couette device. We also disclose Couette devices which can be used in the method.

Abstract: A water soluble, non-abrasive, effervescent, pharmaceutically acceptable, oral care tablet for use in the oral cavity. The tablet includes a carbon dioxide source, a acid source and a tablet forming material admixed to form a chewable tablet having less than 0.2% water. The carbonate to acid ratio ranges from about 233:1 to about 3.33:1, the percent by weight of tablet forming material ranges from about 10% to about 70% of the total tablet weight, and the pH of the tablet when dissolved in water to form a 1.0% by weight aqueous solution ranges from about 5.0 to about 7.0. Also included is a flavor imparting flavor agent in an amount sufficient to mask taste sensations derived from the carbon dioxide source, acid source and binder to provide an abrasive-free texture to the tongue in the oral cavity. Other additives are contemplated.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method of making a teeth treatment device including forming and cutting a plurality of devices on a continuous process. A textured cloth is passed through a container having melted wax therein to form a wax saturated cloth. The wax saturated cloth is cooled before applying a quantity of bleaching solution to one side. A thin plastic sheet is joined to the one side of the cloth to form a plastic coating thereon that may be pealed away for use. The plastic coated wax saturated cloth is cut into individual strips having a predetermined configuration and put into packaging.

Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.

Abstract: A customized dental tray comprising ULDPE is formed using a person's own teeth as a template, or using a stone model of the person's teeth. A preformed dental tray or sheet comprising ULDPE is heated to become plastically deformable and placed over at least a portion of the person's teeth in order to form an impression of the person's teeth and yield an intermediate customized dental tray. Upon cooling sufficiently, the intermediate tray is removed from the persons' mouth and trimmed as needed to yield a finished customized tray corresponding to the person's teeth. The performed tray or sheet preferably comprises ULDPE, which yields a highly flexible and resilient final tray, although they may also contain other polymers or blends. The customized dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.