Abstract: A mouth appliance for maintaining effective airflow in a user's airway comprises a frame formed to engage the user's upper and lower teeth to retain the frame in a selected position in the user's mouth in accord with the user's natural bite. A tongue depressor is mounted to the frame and formed to extend to a rear portion of the user's throat and to exert pressure directly on the tongue in the area of the user's soft palate, thereby facilitating comfort and ease in occasional swallowing, while providing airflow effectiveness to prevent the user from snoring and experiencing sleep apnea.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a uniform total body cryotherapy method and apparatus operative to allow an individual in a cryotherapy chamber to be subjected to the same cold temperatures on their entire body at the same time. In use, the apparatus allows active dissemination of cold air in a confined space without the undesired consequence of wind shear commonly caused by forced movement of cold air.

Abstract: A valved trocar cannula for insertion into an eye includes a trocar cannula having a distal end configured to be positioned within the eye and a proximal end configured to be positioned outside the eye. An elastomeric membrane or seal is attached to the trocar cannula at the proximal end thereof and restricts a free flow of fluid from within the trocar cannula to outside the proximal end of the trocar cannula. The elastomeric membrane includes at least one slit extending therethrough and is arranged to permit the passage of a surgical instrument through the membrane and into the trocar cannula. The slit may through the elastomeric membrane at an oblique angle along a least a portion of the slit. Pressure applied across a first surface or a second surface of the elastomeric membrane in a vicinity of the slit tends to keep the slit in a closed position.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method of using a multifunctional device to cut/tab a graft from a donor region of an eye. The apparatus includes a multifunctional device for ophthalmic surgery, having an insertion sleeve comprising an inner surface defining a compartment, a flat wire contained within the compartment folded to form a loop, wherein the flat wire comprises a sharp edge (continuous or tabbed) operable for cutting retinal tissue, and wherein the loop is positioned at a distal end of the insertion sleeve, and a handpiece coupled to the insertion tube and configured to adjust a size of the loop.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tip has a hollow shaft with a proximal and distal end. The proximal end is configured to be attached to an ultrasonic hand piece, and the distal end has a smooth continuous surface. An opening is located near the distal end of the hollow shaft. The opening is configured to cut vitreous when the cutting tip is vibrated ultrasonically in a torsional manner.

Abstract: A surgical method of cataract fragmentation and extraction via microbubble cavitation is described. In particular, gas-filled microbubbles are injected into a lens capsule of a subject's eye, and cavitation of the microbubbles is activated by applied ultrasound energy. The ultrasound energy can be applied from an external device. The cavitation fragments cataract tissues without damaging other tissue, such as the lens capsule. Fragmented lens material is then aspirated from the lens capsule. The method can be used alone or in conjunction with other methods, such as phacoemulsification.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an adjustable flow shunt can include an outflow drainage tube having a proximal inflow region and a distal outflow region. The proximal inflow region can include aperture(s) defining a fluid inlet area positioned to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The shunt further comprises an inflow control assembly at the proximal inflow region. The inflow control assembly can include a control element configured to slidably engage the proximal inflow region and a spring element. The spring element is configured to be activated by non-invasive energy and, upon activation, slidably move the control element along the proximal inflow region such that (a) the one or more apertures are accessible and have a first fluid flow cross-section or (b) the one or more apertures are at least partially covered by the control element and have a second, different fluid-flow cross-section.

Abstract: Systems and devices for facilitating the flow of fluid between a first body region and a second body region are disclosed herein. The devices generally include a drainage and/or shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough for draining or otherwise shunting fluid between the first and second body regions. Further, devices configured in accordance with the present technology may be selectively adjustable to control the amount of fluid flowing between the first and second body regions. In some embodiments, for example, the devices comprise an actuation assembly that drives movement of a flow control element to modulate flow resistance through the lumen, thereby increasing or decreasing the relative drainage rate of fluid between the first body region and the second body region.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power and/or enabling the removal of the clear or cataractous lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, the system comprises a laser, optics for delivering the laser beam and a control system for delivering the laser beam to the lens in a particular pattern. There is further provided a range determining system for determining the shape and position of the lens with respect to the laser. There is yet further provided a method and system for delivering a laser beam in the lens of the eye in a predetermined shot pattern.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for controlling a position of a focal point of a laser beam comprises a beam expander, a scanner, an objective lens, and a computer. The beam expander controls the focal point of the laser beam and includes a mirror and expander optical devices. The mirror has a surface curvature that can be adjusted to control a z-position of the focal point. The expander optical devices direct the laser beam towards the mirror and receive the laser beam reflected from the mirror. The scanner receives the laser beam from the beam expander and manipulates the laser beam to control an xy-position of the focal point. The objective lens receives the laser beam from the scanner and directs the beam towards the target. The computer receives a depth instruction, and sets actuation parameters to control the surface curvature of the mirror according to the depth instruction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes an outer shell, a first shell duct coupled to the outer shell and including a first exhaust port, and a second shell duct coupled to the outer shell and spaced apart from the first shell duct. The second shell duct includes a second exhaust port. The protective headwear also includes a manifold positioned externally of the outer shell and configured to divert airflow into at least a first portion of airflow and a second portion of airflow. The manifold includes a first diversion member coupled to and in fluid communication with the first shell duct to provide the first portion of airflow to the first shell duct, and a second diversion member coupled to and in fluid communication with the second shell duct to provide the second portion of airflow to the second shell duct.

Abstract: Described herein are nonwoven materials including a plurality of fibers. At least some of the plurality of fibers include a filler. The plurality of fibers have a Thermal Conductivity from about 0.25 W/m/K to about 70 W/m/K.

Abstract: A method for producing a low density perforated web material having a thickness of at least 0.20 mm, comprising the steps of: providing a layer of low density material having a maximum overall weight per square meter of 75 g/m2 or less; and processing the low density material between two rollers pressing onto each other to obtain a low density perforated web material, wherein a first roller has protrusions to perforate the low density material, and a second roller rotates at a different speed from that of the first roller and has projecting parts with contact areas arranged to perforate the material with the protrusions, the contact areas being spaced by recesses to receive the material and having larger contact face dimensions than the protrusions, the recesses leaving an impression in relief on the low density polymer material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a diaper sensor device comprising at least two sensor units each comprising at least a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; optionally a positional sensor; a microcontroller communicating with the sensors and comprising a transmitter for transmitting data from the sensors; a power unit supplying power to the sensors, the microcontroller and the transmitter; a flexible watertight casing; housing the sensors, the transmitter; and the power unit, and fastening means for fastening the diaper sensor device on the outside of the diaper. Furthermore the invention comprises a method and a system for determining the existence and class of human excreta in a diaper.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems for monitoring the basic needs of an infant comprising feeding, sleeping, and/or voiding (urinating and/or defecating) are described herein.

Abstract: A liquid sensor for a diaper, and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The liquid sensor includes a plurality of electrochemical cells in series connection. Each of the plurality of electrochemical cells includes an anode, a cathode and a liquid-porous layer including an electrolyte solution. The liquid-porous layer electrically connects the anode to the cathode such that each cell has a respective predetermined potential difference across the cell. Two or more of the plurality of electrochemical cells are operable to be electrically connected by a liquid to form a single electrochemical cell having a potential difference lower than the sum of the predetermined potential differences of the two or more electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A clip-on module having a specialized housing design, probe contacts, switches, various advertising modes, and various configurations of signal repeaters is disclosed. The module is utilized via attachment to a specialized garment worn by a human patient. To properly apply the housing to the garment, a user will squeeze the module to open using tactile features embedded within the housing, locate the module, and then press-clamp the module to close and attach it. A plurality of probe contacts within the module have sharpness requirements for penetrating one or more layers of the garment while still maintaining low resistance, and will work with a backing material for probe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a wearable article assembled by a front belt, a back belt, and a central chassis, the central chassis having a front waist region and a back waist region separated from each other by a crotch region, wherein at least one of the front belt and the back belt is formed by an elastic belt, the method may comprise making the elastic belt and joining to the central chassis by the steps of: 1) advancing a first layer of continuous sheet having a first surface and an opposing second surface in a machine direction and defining a width in a cross machine direction; 2) advancing a second layer of continuous sheet having a first surface and an opposing second surface in the machine direction and having a smaller width than the first layer of continuous sheet; 3) advancing a first group of elastic bodies in the machine direction in a stretched state; 4) joining the first group of elastic bodies between the first surface of the first layer and the first surface of the second layer of

Abstract: A wearable article comprising: a main body comprising an outer cover layer and a backsheet attached to the skin-facing surface of the outer cover layer; and a ring-like elastic belt comprising a front belt and a back belt; the backsheet comprising a printed main artwork observable from the garment-facing side of the article. The main artwork exists in the vicinity of the proximal edge of the central panel of at least one of the front and back belts, extends from at least one of the front and back central panels into the crotch panel; and comprises a belt area artwork displayed on the central panel and a crotch area artwork displayed on the crotch panel. The relationship of the opacity of the outer cover layer to the opacity of the central panel overlayed on the garment facing side of the backsheet is defined herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a measurement apparatus (jig) comprising at least one adjustable component to enable at least one measurement to be taken for bespoke configuration of customised seated user equipment (such as a wheelchair). It is particularly suited for use in the design or construction of a sporting wheelchair or disabled apparatus. The jig may comprise part of a system comprising measuring means for taking measurements relating to the set configuration of adjustable components of the jig. The measuring means may comprise electronic or optical means, such as position sensors, pressure sensors, or a camera. The system may also comprise a computer-implemented modelling component arranged to generate a visual representation of the customised wheelchair or other appliance constructed in accordance with the set configuration of adjustable components of the jig.

Abstract: Various systems and devices are provided for determining a weaning readiness for weaning a patient from a thermoregulated microenvironment. In one example, a method includes receiving a plurality of current patient parameters of a patient housed in a thermoregulated microenvironment, applying a weaning model to the plurality of current patient parameters to generate a weaning index representing a likelihood that the patient will be successfully weaned from the microenvironment if weaned at that time, the weaning model trained to correlate the current patient parameters with the likelihood based on historical data of prior patients and known outcomes for those prior patients, and outputting the weaning index for display on a display device and/or for storage in a medical record of the patient.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for use with a reciprocating treatment device that includes a main body portion having at least a first top male attachment member or a first top female attachment member on a top thereof and at least first and second bottom male attachment members or first and second bottom female attachment members on a bottom thereof.

Abstract: An orthotic device is provided which includes a first structural element; a second structural element which is rotatably attached to the first structural element across a joint; a first rotary actuator which imparts rotational motion to the first structural element relative to the second structural element about a first axis; and a second rotary actuator which imparts rotational motion to the first structural element relative to the second structural element about a second axis. Each of the first and second rotary actuators is selected from the group consisting of parallel eccentric actuators and rotary actuators.

Abstract: A stretching and exercising device is beneficial for torso flexibility, having a configurable structure in which the curvature of the platform is adjustable. The platform can be varied in curvature from a substantially flat configuration to a generally semi-circular configuration. The platform is supported by a gear train connected to the platform, wherein the platform has a plurality of discrete parts. An adjustment member having a manually adjustable variable length connects opposite ends of the gear train, so that the curvature of the platform is determined by the adjusted length of the adjustment member.

Abstract: A lower limb training rehabilitation apparatus, comprising a weight reducing device, a pelvis supporting device, an exoskeleton device, a control system for controlling mechanical movements of the rehabilitation apparatus, and a treadmill used for walking of a patient. The rehabilitation apparatus hoists the upper body of the patient by means of the weight reducing device, then fixes the crotch of the patient to the pelvis supporting device, and fixes two legs of the patient to two mechanical legs of the exoskeleton device. A power source drives the pelvis supporting device to move up and down, so that the patient can move in the vertical direction; in addition, a sliding base of the pelvis supporting device can assist the patient in moving left and right, swinging left and right, and twisting. The mechanical legs and the treadmill together implement arbitrary movements in six degrees of freedom of the patient.

Abstract: A collapsible rolling walker that readily collapses for storage and/or transportation and that readily deploys for use.

Abstract: Compression garments and methods may include a head garment configured to be positioned around both sides of a head of a body from a posterior of the head to an anterior of the head (e.g., wherein the head garment may include a plurality of controllable head pressure applying regions positionable proximate at least cheeks and a posterior of the head) and a neck garment (e.g., coupled to the head garment). The compression garments and methods may also include a torso garment. Such garment portions may include one or more controllable pressure applying regions to move lymph from the head downward.

Abstract: A cooling compression sleeve device generally including three layers, a flexible bottom layer, a flexible middle layer, and a flexible top layer, and two voids, the first void substantially filled with a cooling agent and the second void including a selectively inflatable air bladder, which in its preferred form is portable, cleanable, reusable, and useful to provide cooling therapy to the limbs of humans or animals and particularly to the knee, shoulder, and elbow joints.

Abstract: A stimulation device is provided in accordance with one embodiment. The stimulation device includes a chamber which has a flexible wall portion. A drive unit of the stimulation device is in physical communication with the flexible wall portion so as to cause deflections of the flexible wall portion in opposing directions, thereby resulting in a changing volume of the chamber. The changing volume of the chamber results in modulated positive and negative pressures with respect to a reference pressure. An opening of the stimulation device is for applying the modulated positive and negative pressures to a body part. An appendage of the stimulation device may be used as a handle to allow a user to position the stimulation device over the body part. The stimulation device includes a control device for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved eyelid care appliance and method of using such appliance for preventing and treating blepharitis and mammalian meibomian gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction. The method and apparatus of the invention enable restoration and maintenance of eyelid hygiene and the natural flow of secretions from the meibomian glands. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus has an oscillating brush head affixed to the distal end of the eyelid care appliance. The brush head can be impregnated with topical pharmacologic or cleansing agents to better facilitate cleaning and therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: A system, method and device for providing sound-based therapies to a user. The system, method, and device employ an initial measurement about a user (either or both distances on said user's head or recorded sound), a determination of a resonant frequency, and a wearable actuator affixed on said user's person with the ability to provide a unique resonant frequency to the user. The aspects disclosed herein may also incorporate microphones to optimize and monitor the treatment.

Abstract: A pill box has a case holder and multiple pill cases. The case holder is divided into multiple compartments by multiple crosswise partitions, a rear panel and a bottom panel. The pill cases are fitted in the compartments of the case holder. Each pill case is able to pivot relative to the case holder between a close position and an open position. When intending to get pills that are in the pill box, a user can rotate one of the pill cases to the open position. Thus, the pill case protrudes forwardly from the case holder. Accordingly, the pills are able to be precisely poured onto the user's hand.

Abstract: A system for packaging an item with an identifier comprises an identifier adder, a labeler, and a packager. The identifier adder adds one or more types of silica-based tags to an item, wherein each type of silica-based tag has a first signature readable using an optical spectroscopic reader. A label is generated based at least in part on reading the one or more types of silica-based tags of the item using the optical spectroscopic reader. The label includes goods info. The packager includes the label on a package, and wherein the packager includes the item in the package.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for separating a sample of whole blood or bone marrow aspirate into a fraction rich in at least one of platelets and pluripotent cells are provided. A sample of whole blood can be centrifuged in a collection tube comprising a separator substance formulated to settle between the PRP fraction and the at least one other fraction. Preferably, centrifugation is completed without substantial activation of platelets. Optionally, the separator substance could be hardened to form a solid barrier that allows removal of all or substantially all of the platelets in the PRP fraction without remixing of the PRP fraction with the at least one other fraction. Transfer devices and methods are also provided in which a sterile sample can be transferred from a separation/preparation container (e.g., vacutainer) to a consumer or other container (e.g., dropper) while maintaining sterility of the sample.

Abstract: A fluid transfer connector or adapter for coupling to a container or pharmacy bottle for facilitating the transfer of fluid or medicine from the bottle to a syringe, or from the syringe to the bottle. Optionally, an additional connector can be provided for coupling the fluid transfer connector to the syringe. Optionally, the connector can be provided with a sloped base for preventing residual amounts of fluids from remaining within the bottle.

Abstract: A fill adapter for filling a reservoir and a related method are disclosed herein. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying solid pills includes a grinder configured to grind the solid pills to a powder, a receptacle configured to attach to the grinder and to capture the powder, and a cap configured to attach to the receptacle. The cap includes a port therethrough in fluid connection with the receptacle. The port is configured to mate with a tip of a syringe.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a tamper-resistant container of durable material and structure. In certain embodiments, the container is configured to include power source, such as a battery rechargeable via provided uniform serial bus (USB) port, which powers a unique user identity authentication sensor, such as a fingerprint scanner, in combination with a vibration sensor to detect movement. The user identity authentication and vibration sensors communicate with a provided computer software application via application program interface such as may be installed on a computer, preferably a smartphone. Short message service (SMS) text messages may provide tamper alerts, and a system comprising the software application may enable remote locking and unlocking, access and approval, as well as updates and reminders related to the administration of contents such as prescription medications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a programmable medication dispenser. Further, the programmable medication dispenser may include a housing, a base wall, at least one actuator, at least one power source, a processing device, and a storage device. Further, the housing may include a body and at least one bottomless tray configured to be movably disposed within the at least one interior space. Further, the at least one bottomless tray may include a plurality of compartments. Further, the base wall disposed on one side of the at least one bottomless tray. Further, the at least one actuator may be coupled to the at least one bottomless tray. Further, the at least one power source configured to provide power to the at least one actuator. Further, the processing device may be communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator. Further, the storage device may be communicatively coupled to the processing device.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning a tube or clearing a blockage from a tube, such as an enteral feeding device are provided. The devices include an actuator and a syringe. The actuator is releasably attached to the syringe in a manner that allows the actuator to transition the syringe from a compressed position to an extended position, and vice-a-versa, without requiring the intervention of a user. A method of cleaning a tube or clearing a blockage in a tube is also provided. The tube cleaning device is filled with a liquid and the actuator pushes the liquid from the syringe into the tube when transitioning into a compressed position, and withdraws the liquid back into the syringe when transition into an extended position, causing the liquid to contact a blockage, and clear the blockage and/or clean the tube.

Abstract: A process for providing fluoresence to a dental ceramic body by treating at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental ceramic body or a precursor thereof with a bismuth containing substance, characterized by the steps of placing the dental ceramic body or the precursor thereof into a closeable container, in particular a crucible; generating a bismuth containing atmosphere in the container and exposing at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental ceramic body or of the precursor to the bismuth containing atmosphere at a temperature above 1000° C.

Abstract: Dental composition comprising (a) a homogeneous phase comprising monomer combinations (i) and (ii), (i) and (iii), (ii) and (iii), or (i), (ii) and (iii), or comprising monomer (iii), wherein (i) represents one or more compounds having one or more radically polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds; (ii) represents one or more compounds having one or more cationically polymerizable groups; and (iii) represents one or more compounds having a combination of one or more radically polymerizable carbon-carbon double bonds and one or more cationically polymerizable groups; (b) an initiator system comprising (iv) one or more radical polymerization initiator of the following formula (I): wherein M is Ge or Si; R1, R2 and R3 may be the same or different, independently represent an organic group, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom, an organic or organometallic group; provided that when R4 is a hydrogen atom, the initiator system further comprises a sensitizer compound having a light absorption maximum in the rang

Abstract: Assembly containing at least one dyeing substrate and at least one protective substrate comprising one or more preservatives, dispensing means, and dyeing process The present invention relates to the field of dyeing keratin fibres and more particularly to the field of hair dyeing. The present invention relates to an assembly 2 containing at least one dyeing substrate 3, and at least one protective substrate 4a, 4b comprising one or more preservatives, and it being understood that the dyeing substrate(s) 3 are different from the protective substrate(s) 4a, 4b. The present invention also relates to a means for dispensing 1 the assembly 2, and also to a process for dyeing keratin fibres using said assembly 2.

Abstract: A moisturizing gel composition is disclosed containing 4 wt. % to 12 wt. % of a humectant selected from trimethylglycine, propylene glycol, glycerin and combinations thereof; 1 wt. % to 6 wt. % of a skin feel agent selected from PEG-14M, polyglyceryl-3-laurate, ppg-3 isostearyl methyl ether, PEG60 almond glyceride, and combinations thereof; 0.25 wt. % to 1 wt. % of a skin conditioning agent selected from shea oil and triterpenesters; 0.2 wt. % to 2 wt. % of a structure increasing polymer selected from carbomers, acrylate polymers, acrylate copolymers and combinations thereof; and a cosmetically acceptable aqueous carrier; wherein, the composition has a pH of 4 to 7. A method to produce the composition at low temperature is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition in the form of a nano- or micro-emulsion, comprising: (a) at least one oil; (b) at least one polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, preferably with a polyglyceryl moiety derived from 3 to 6 glycerins, more preferably 5 or 6 glycerins; (c) at least one hydrotrope; and (d) water. The cosmetic composition according to the present invention has a dispersed phase which has a smaller diameter due to a combination of the (b) polyglyceryl fatty acid ester and the (c) hydrotrope. Therefore, the cosmetic composition can be in the form of a nano- or micro-emulsion with transparent or slightly translucent.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsified cosmetic preparation that, even without substantially comprising a UV scattering agent: exhibits a higher UV protection effect than immediately after application, as a result of coming in contact with moisture, has excellent appearance, usability, and washability. The water-in-oil emulsified cosmetic preparation includes 6%-40% by mass of a UV absorber (A), an oil phase thickener (B), and at least one hydrophobic powder (C) selected from (i)-(iii), namely (i) hydrophobized talc, (ii) silicone powder having an average particle diameter of at least 30 ?m, and (iii) crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate powder having a crosslinking density of at least 40%; and not including a UV scattering agent or containing no more than 6% by mass of same.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water-in-oil emulsion cosmetic that, while having an excellent hair-styling effect, exhibits a strong ability to moisturize the coated tissue, provides a smooth finger manipulation sense unlike that of a cream or wax, and does not produce stickiness on the hands and hair. The water-in-oil emulsion cosmetic according to the present invention is characterized by containing (A) a crosslinked siloxane elastomer, (B) a solid oil component, (C) a liquid oil component, and (D) at least 55 mass % water, wherein the ratio of component (B) to component (C) ((B)/(C)) is 0.25 to 1.5.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a pH-sensitive microcapsule comprising (1) a shell wall comprising at least one polymer chosen from cellulose derivatives and acrylate derivatives, and at least one structuring agent chosen from shellac, ethyl cellulose, and fumed silica, and (2) at least one functional ingredient encapsulated inside the shell wall; and a carrier having a pH of less than about 7. Further disclosed herein are methods of making a composition comprising a pH-sensitive microcapsule.

Abstract: A solid oral care composition, e.g., a tablet or powder, comprising an alkali metal peroxymonosulfate as an effective bleaching agent for the bleaching of tenacious tooth stains, such as tobacco stains and coffee stains.