Abstract: Antireflective coating compositions are discussed.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a siloxane polymer having at least one Si—OH group and at least one Si—OR group, where R is condensation stabilizing group optionally having a reactive functional group, wherein the siloxane polymer, when placed into a solvent, has a weight average molecular weight increase of less than or equal to 50% after aging for one week at 40° C. as measured by GPC is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one baffle hole. At least one shroud is secured to the baffle plate and includes at least one piston ring disposed at the shroud. The at least one piston ring is configured to meter a flow of diluent between the at least one shroud and the at least one fuel nozzle. Further disclosed is a method for providing diluent to a combustor including providing a piston ring gap defined by at least one piston ring disposed at a baffle plate and a fuel nozzle extending through a through hole in the baffle plate. The diluent is flowed through the piston ring gap toward at least one airflow hole in the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: In a burner and method for the operation of such a burner which is provided with first fuel and air supply means for FLOX® operation and second fuel and air supply means for operation with flame combustion, a control unit is provided for controlling fuel and air supply means in such a manner that, aided by flame combustion operation, the temperature required for FLOX® operation is rapidly achieved and FLOX® operation can be maintained at least in the region directly in front of the burner so as to provide for assisted FLOX® operation of the burner already before the conditions for pure FLOX® operation are established.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and reactor of chemical looping combustion involving at least two gases in a reactor in which: said at least two gases are conveyed to a reactor fluid inlet centre which is divided in at least two sectors; said at least two gases flow radially outward into an oxygen carrier bed that surrounds said fluid inlet center, said oxygen carrier bed comprising an active material, in which at least one reaction takes place between said active material and said at least two gases; effluents from said at least one reaction are conveyed to an outer compartment of the reactor, said compartment being divided in two sections by means of two radially extending partition walls, said fluid inlet centre, said oxygen carrier bed and said outer compartment are rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A dislocation-type safety lighter the invention is disclosed. The dislocation-type safety lighter includes a main body, a wheel racket, a file wheel, a metal cap, and a lever. The lever includes a pressing part, a base, and a slipping hole. Each side of the base furnishes a salient part used to be the pivot point C of the lever. The salient parts are fitted in the securing holes near the bottom of the file-wheel seats, and the securing holes) are used as pivot seat for bearing the salient parts. The metal cap is capped on the top of the wheel racket to cover the file wheel and the lever. The height H between the elevation of the “point A” of exerting force P and the elevation of the pivot point C is in the range (?)H?*H*(?)H? where the height H? is equal to the diameter of the file wheel (3). The larger the height H, the more laborious it is to turn the file wheel (3) by the thumb of the user that makes the children whose exerting force is relatively weak harder to ignite the lighter.

Abstract: A gas burner including a gas inlet opening, a gas chamber connected to the gas inlet opening, and a gas input chamber connecting the gas inlet opening and the gas chamber, wherein the gas input chamber leads out from the gas inlet opening into the gas chamber in an at least partially upward angled manner.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a lightweight mechanism that changes the distribution of a flow rate of air for combustion supplied into each burner, without providing a mechanical movable part in a passage for high-temperature and high-pressure air for combustion in a combustor having a plurality of burners such as a pilot burner and a main burner. The combustor equipped with an air flow rate distribution control mechanism based on a fluidic element in accordance with the present invention has a plurality of burners such as a main burner and a pilot burner, wherein with the fluidic element being disposed upstream of a passage of air for combustion that is supplied to each burner, and means for sucking out or blowing out air into a control air passage of the fluidic element being provided, the distribution of a flow rate of the air flowing into the burners is controlled by changing a flow direction of the air for combustion.

Abstract: An improved gas burner for cooking appliances, with an inner central portion (40) defining an inner chamber (52) provided with a central flame ring (72) and with an outer portion (42) concentric with said central portion (40) defining an outer chamber (47) provided with at least one outer flame ring (78), characterised by comprising a pair of first injectors (14) of substantially horizontal axis, symmetrically disposed about a diametrical vertical plane of said burner, said first injectors (14) being associated with respective adjacent venturi conduits (24) with substantially horizontal parallel axes, feeding said outer portion (42) with a gas/primary air mixture to generate said outer flame ring (78), said adjacent conduits (24) being spaced apart to define a space within which a second injector (16) of vertical axis is disposed facing a venturi conduit (50) of vertical axis feeding said inner central portion (40) with a gas/primary air mixture to generate said central flame ring (72).

Abstract: A tooth bonding pad (22) is configured for orthodontic applications and includes a main body (26) and a ligating structure (24) adjacent to the main body. The ligating structure includes a channel (48) that is configured to receive a corrective device (16) therein and to restrict the corrective device from movement relative to the tooth bonding pad. The ligating structure may, for example, be crimpable or it may take the form of a self-ligating structure. The channel (48) may be substantially closed and may include a cover (80) configured to be coupled to other portions of the ligating structure (53) to thereby partially define the channel. The channel (48) may define a longitudinal axis such that the ligating structure (24) is configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction along the axis. Alternatively or additionally, the ligating structure (53) may be configured to restrict movement of the corrective device (16) in a direction transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for positioning at least one orthodontic element (300) on a dentition (100) by means of an orthodontic element holder (500) for holding at least one orthodontic element (300). The device (10) comprises a positioning template (101) for fitting on at least a part of the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) has at least one open area (200) for allowing an orthodontic element (300) to contact the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) has an inner surface (102) for contacting the at least a part of the dentition (100). The positioning template (101) is further provided with at least one guide (400) coupled to and extending from the positioning template (101) in a direction away from the dentition (100) when the inner surface (102) is in contact with the dentition (100).

Abstract: An orthodontic power arm has a body with a bonding surface for attachment to a tooth. A blade-shaped arm extends gingivally from the body and has a width extending in a mesial-distal direction. The power arm is also equipped with a number of recesses in the mesial or distal edges of the arm for engaging a tractive device. For example, the power arm can be made of a clear polymeric material.

Abstract: A method, an orthodontic system, and orthodontic assembly (10), and a corrector assembly (8) with a telescopable portion (19), an attachable portion (18), and an engaging portion (20). The attachable portion (18) is attached to the telescopable portion (19) and is configured for coupling to a corrective device (14). The engaging portion (20) is attached to the telescopable portion (19) and is configured for coupling to an orthodontic implant (44). The telescopable portion (19) may be configured for pivotally coupling to the engaging portion (20). The attachable portion (18) may be configured for coupling to a corrective device (14), such as by crimping. The engaging portion (20) may be configured for rotatably coupling to an orthodontic implant (44). A process for attaching the corrector assembly (8) is provided by the method. By having a telescopable portion (19), an attachable portion (18), and an engaging portion (20), multiple modes of adjustability and direction of movement are possible.

Abstract: Method and apparatus including obtaining digital representations of two or more dental appliances, determining a common base coordinate parameter for the two or more dental appliances, orientating the respective digital representations of the two or more dental appliances in accordance with the common base coordinate parameter, aligning the digital representations of the two or more dental appliances based on one or more characteristics associated with each of the two or more dental appliances, and storing the digital representations of the two or more dental appliances oriented to based on the common base coordinate parameter are disclosed.

Abstract: Medical treatment devices, such as dental treatment devices, comprise a drive unit for driving a tool configured to act on a treatment site, a light-emitting device and a cooling media dispensing device for dispensing at least one cooling medium onto a tool and/or a treatment site. The device can be controlled, such as with a controller, to substantially alternatingly operate the light-emitting device and the dispensing device, thereby intermittently illuminating the tool and/or the treatment site and dispensing cooling medium toward the tool and/or the treatment site, respectively, which provides a user with an improved view of the tool, the treatment site, or both.

Abstract: A visible coding of components of an articulator apparatus that mount maxillary and mandible casts indicates the relative correspondence between post-treatment goals and the present locations of a person's teeth and jaws. From another aspect, the visible coding indicates at least a direction, and preferably, a direction and a distance, which a person's teeth and/or jaws must be moved to achieve the goals.

Abstract: A reference support for a dental implant, which includes a body defining a first main portion having two free ends, a respective prolonged orthogonal portion projecting from each end, the first main portion and the two prolonged orthogonal portions defining a space, the support further including members for association of another device such as a guide tube positioning apparatus or a prosthetic crown sounding guide or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a suprastructure (7) with artificial teeth (8) which is mounted on at least one implant (9,10) that is provided in the cavity of the mouth of a person and that has to be fixed to the bone of the lower jaw or the upper jaw (1), whereby a drill jig (3) is manufactured with at least one opening (4) for performing a boring (5) in the bone for mounting said implant (9,10), with the feature that the position of said opening (4) in the drill jig (3) and the position of the latter is determined in relation to at least one reference organ (2) that is fixed to said bone.

Abstract: A guide tube to enable the boring of orifices in the bone portion of the maxilla or jawbone of a patient, including at least a first outer tube segment having a first axial through aperture and at least a second inner tube segment having at least a free end and a second axial through aperture, the second tube segment being inserted inside the first axial through aperture of the first tube segment, and wherein an integrated axial prolongation projects from the free end of the inner tube segment.

Abstract: Dental unit, which comprises at least one connection for at least one ancillary device, a drive-power and feed system for providing drive power or feed to said at least one ancillary device, and a control system for controlling the drive-power and feed system as well as the at least one ancillary device. For its part, the control system comprises at least one programmed function, which includes at least one predefined control operation directed to at least one ancillary device. In addition, at least one trigger is defined for each programmed function within the control system, in response to which said programmed function is performed. According to the invention, the dental unit comprises configuration means, which are arranged to receive control commands from the user in order to configure at least one programmed function and to configure said at least one programmed function according to control commands received from the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foot control unit having a plurality of switches for use by a dentist, surgeon, or other professional that is ergonomically designed to minimize body movement during activation and to prevent interruptions of the procedure being performed that may be caused by the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the design provides for the operator's, e.g., the dentist's, foot to be continuously and comfortably supported in a neutral muscular-skeletal position by a portion of the foot control unit both at rest and during activation. By providing the foot with a neutral muscular-skeletal position at rest, the position of each of the switches may be kept at a substantially minimal and substantially equal distance from a corresponding activating part of the foot. This allows for the foot control unit of the present invention to minimize muscular activities and movement during activation.

Abstract: A method of treating Nitinol to train the structure thereof to remain in the martensite state, including the steps of subjecting the Nitinol to a strain and while subjected to the strain, thermally cycling the Nitinol between a cold bath of about 0° C. to 10° C. and a hot bath of about 100° C. to 180° C. for a minimum of about five cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing bone growth in teeth and/or other craniofacial regions of a subject. This method includes administering to the jaw and/or teeth of the subject a mechanical vibration having a frequency of 10 to 1000 Hz with an acceleration peak of 0.1 to 2.00 g and that can produce a low magnitude strain of 1 to 50 microstrain in the jaw and/or teeth. The present invention also relates to devices that deliver high frequency, low magnitude force to the teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental apparatus having a flexible arm for a dental apparatus. A benefit of the inventive flexible arm is the ability to make fine adjustments in orientation of one end of the arm relative to the other. More specifically, the ability to adjust or optimize the horizontal attitude of a movable end of the arm quickly and easily without resorting to expensive and time consuming remanufacture of the arm components. Adjustment of the end of the arm is accomplished via an adjusting mechanism with a rotatable shaft having an offset pin, where rotation of the shaft caused the pin to translate as defined by the offset of the pin center relative to the shaft center.

Abstract: Self-locking forceps for gripping and transporting small objects and usable in particular in dental surgery, said forceps comprising two branches that intersect freely and have a proximal manoeuvring part and a distal gripping part, the proximal parts being joined elastically at one of their ends, while the distal parts end in jaws, such that the closing together of the proximal parts or grips causes the distal parts to spread apart, while release of the pressure exerted on said proximal parts is translated into an automatic closing together of the distal parts and therefore of the jaws in a clamping position; at least one of said jaws is provided with a cushion of flexible material; said self-locking forceps being provided with a means for limiting the clamping force generated by the return force of the spring formed by the proximal parts of the forceps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental grinding bur with a coating material on an identification part that does not peel off easily and does not require formation of a groove in order to apply the coating material on the identification part. It includes a rod-shaped base 11, a grinding part 11b, which is at the tip of the base and fixated with abrasive grains, and an identification part 11a, which is at the periphery of the base adjacent to a grinding part and coated with an insulating, pigmented coating material. The identification part 11a has a uniform circumferential thickness, and the central portion of the identification part 11a is coated to be in a thick mountain-shaped curve. Consequently, forming of a groove for applying the coating material in the identification part is not needed, and the coating material on the identification part does not peel off easily.

Abstract: An artificial root for dental implantation and a method for manufacturing the artificial root are provided. The artificial root comprises a neck portion, an end portion opposite the neck portion, a body portion and a multiplex thread structure which is formed on the body portion. The multiplex thread structure comprises a first thread and a second thread in which the first thread forms a root portion with a specific first width for the second thread, which has a crest portion of a specific second width, to be accommodated into the root portion. The multiplex thread structure is partially configured in such a way that the second width of the crest portion is simultaneously increased when the first width of the root portion is gradually increased.

Abstract: A pin removal system is configured to remove a dowel pin from a dental model base. The system includes first and second members. The first member is configured to releasably mount to the dental model base, and the second member is movable relative to the first member and into engagement with the pin to move the pin relative to the dental model base. The dowel pin can be secured to a model of at least one tooth that is mounted to the dental model base.

Abstract: An endodontic activator is provided to facilitate the removal of pulp tissue, the smear layer, and, when present, bacteria and their related irritants from a root canal system during an endodontic procedure. The activator enhances disinfection and deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The activator is a sonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth, flocked or brush-like. The activator comprises a snap-on coupler which is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The activator can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered into or vacuumed from the root canal space during endodontic procedures. By inducing sonic vibrations in the activator, hydrodynamic phenomenon are induced in the solution in the root canal to enhance deep lateral cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth.

Abstract: A method of producing a dental prosthetic includes preparing a coping, preparing a restoration, and attaching the coping to the restoration at a temperature less than about 850° C.

Abstract: Compositions containing Montmorillonite and Portland cement for tooth filling are disclosed; such compositions have shown good biocompatibility, excellent marginal adaptation to dentinal walls, short setting time, and improved viscosity.

Abstract: The invention described her falls in the class of training simulators designed for practicing of sharpshooter skills form light firearms. This training simulator is designed for both individual and group training with sniper rifles as well as other types of light firearms without using ammunition as well as to sustain the acquired sniper skills on a required high level. The training simulator supports shooting practice against stationary, mobile, close proximity, remote and very remote targets. The shots are emulated by sending a laser pulse along the target line that is accompanied by the sound in n the shooter's headphones. The training simulator is equipped with a computer and a high resolution TV camera, which registers the hit point of the laser beams on the targets, the optical axis of the TV camera and the projector are aligned with high precision. The performance results of the shooters are displayed in symbolic and digital formats on the individual computer screens in real time.

Abstract: A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays.

Abstract: A method and system for creating perspective drawings on a preferably curved drawing surface. An easel and a drawing surface are provided. The artist securely positions his head at a central point relative to the drawing surface and looks past an edge of the drawing surface at an object to be drawn, thereby creating an illusion of a transparent margin of the drawing surface overlapping the object. The object is then traced onto the transparent margin of the drawing surface. The traced-upon margin is cut off and removed from the drawing surface, thereby creating a new transparent margin. These steps are repeated on the new transparent margin until all of the drawing surface is used. The cut-up pieces of the drawing surface are reassembled to form a complete image. The easel includes structure that allows the artist to position an eye at the center point of the drawing surface.

Abstract: A system and method of teaching proper letter and word writing is utilized by presenting a plurality of colored, measured rods, and clay with which letters are formed according to a prescribed plan.

Abstract: Methods for assessing cognitive and linguistic abilities by tracking and recording the eye movements of a patient in response to predetermined verbal and visual stimuli. The methods incorporate conventional eye-tracking technology to acquire eye-fixation location and duration measures for testing linguistic comprehension, working memory, attention allocation, and the effect of semantic associative priming. Visual stimuli presented in the methods are carefully designed to reduce visually distracting features. Verbal stimuli are carefully designed to control for numerous linguistic features.

Abstract: The interactive storytelling game of the present invention includes a contextual story that includes at least one key story concept, a blank story scene, and a scene palette that includes at least one story object that is associated with the key story concept. The story object is adapted to be applied to the blank story scene to form a user-generated scene. A validation engine compares the user-generated scene with the contextual description.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide educational diagnostic assessment of reading performance for a student by receiving a log-in from the student over a network; presenting a new concept to the student through a multimedia presentation; testing the student on the concept at a predetermined testing level; collecting test results for one or more concepts into a test result group; performing a diagnostic analysis of the test result group; and adaptively modifying the predetermined testing level based on the adaptive diagnostic analysis and repeating the process at the modified predetermined learning level for a plurality of sub-tests.

Abstract: In a method for promoting literacy, a website is hosted wherein a literacy award competition is facilitated. Criteria are provided to applicants for the literacy award, the criteria being accessible via the website. Access is provided to a plurality of sponsors via the website. One or more requests are received from at least one of the applicants for access to one or more of the sponsors, the request being in a form specified by the criteria. The requests are evaluated and the applicant with whom the request is associated is credited with an acknowledgment, displayable on the website and indicating that the applicant has met the criteria for accessing information or indicia associated with the sponsor. The acknowledgments associated with the applicant are stored and an award is generated when a predetermined number of the acknowledgments from different sponsors are associated with the applicant.

Abstract: The interactive phoneme video game of the present invention includes an action game section where a user can collect a phoneme item. At least one phoneme item is associated with a phoneme from a word. A word and phoneme pairing challenge encourages a user to make use of phoneme information gained during the action game. A phoneme sound is preferably played during interaction with the video game such as when a phoneme item is collected or during navigation of a phoneme keypad.

Abstract: A method for determining the psychological impact of entertainment material having at least first and later episodes, the method including the steps of: (a) presenting a first episode to a target group of subjects, (b) after a predetermined period of time, presenting the later episode to the target group of subjects; (c) determining brain activities of the target group of subjects whilst the later episode is being presented to the target group of subjects; and (d) evaluating the psychological impact of the entertainment material by reference to the levels of brain activities determined in step (c). The method of presenting material and determining brain activities also being used for determining the suitability of an actor from a group of actors or selecting a person from a group of persons for a public role.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for monitoring physical fitness. The method includes providing a website for access via a network by a teacher, an administrator, a student, and a parent, and enabling the teacher to enter student information, wherein the student information includes student identifying information, student grade information, and student physical information. The method further includes storing the student information in a data store, enabling the administrator to view the student information, enabling the student to view student information, and enabling the parent to view the student information.

Abstract: A computerized educational method and system that provides educational content using a simulation situation. In one embodiment, one or more medical conditions and a question may be presented about a hypothetical patient using a video display system. The learner may select from a plurality of potential responses to the question. Typically, the plurality of potential responses are categorized into a correct category, a reasonable category, and a wrong category. Upon receiving a selection from the plurality of potential responses, the learner is provided with the category to which the selected response corresponds.

Abstract: Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding and to facilitate obtaining and recording a patient's informed consent.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: A system for perfusing a biological organ for use as an experimental model includes a housing having sides that define a cavity for containing a biological organ model within a solution. The housing includes a plurality of apertures defined therethrough configured to mechanically interface with a filter, one or more heating elements and one or more sensors. A peristaltic pump is configured to withdraw and pressurize the solution from the housing and reintroduce the solution under pressure into the biological organ. A heat control module operatively connects to the heating elements and is configured to regulate the temperature of the solution within the housing. A data acquisition system operatively connects to the heat control module, the peristaltic pump and the sensor(s) and regulates and monitors the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the solution during electrical treatment of the biological organ.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated DHDR nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel DHDR-related dehydrogenase molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing DHDR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DHDR gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DHDR proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DHDR antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A system for the detection of compounds, including a target biological organism or component from a sample, using one or more reactant that will bind to the biological organism or compound forming a Raman active product, concentrating the Raman active product, and detecting the Raman active product using Raman light scattering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening inductive promoting substances of anti-viral proteins such as IFN-? against LPS stimulation or viral infection by using TBK1 knockout mice, or the tissues or cells derived therefrom. The present invention also provides a method for screening substances promoting responses against LPS stimulation or viral infection which may comprise the steps of measuring/estimating the induction level of anti-viral proteins such as IFN-? against ligands recognized by TLR4 or substances containing thereof in mice wherein a part or a whole of TANK binding kinase-1 (TBK1) genes on its chromosome is deleted and is lacking the function to express TBK1 which is expressed in wild-type, or the tissues or cells derived therefrom; by using the mice, or the tissues or cells derived therefrom, a test substance, and the ligands recognized by TLR4 or substances containing thereof.