Abstract: PARMOD.TM. materials comprised of a metal powder or metal powder mixture of specified characteristics and a Reactive Organic Medium, are easily printed or deposited on electronic components, such as a Printed Wiring Board substrate, and cured at low temperatures to form a highly conductive, well bonded, well consolidated pure metal component. The adhesion of PARMOD.TM. conductors on an electronic component is enhanced by printing the PARMOD.TM. on a polyimide coating which has been applied to the electronic component.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable device coated with a layer of calcium phosphate and optionally one or more biologically active substances such as growth factors, lipis, (lipo)polysaccharides, hormones, proteins, antibiotics or cytostatics. The device can be obtained by a nanotechnology process comprising subjecting a substrate to a surface treatment until a surface roughness with an average peak distance (Ra value) between 10 and 1,000 nm and subjecting the roughened surface to precipitation of calcium phosphate from a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions with optional coprepitation of the biologically active substance.

Abstract: The floss is comprised of a texturized yarn that has been coated and impregnated with a water-soluble polymer and the water-soluble polymer coating cured and set while the yarn is stretched and is under tension. The yarn while stretched and tensioned is at a reduced width, which allows for easier insertion of the yarn floss between teeth. The yarn floss is wound onto a spool in the decreased width condition. For use, a length of floss is removed from the spool and placed between teeth. The saliva in the mouth dissolves the cured and set water-soluble polymer with the floss expanding to fill the space between the teeth. The floss is optionally coated with flavors, medicants and other substances. These can be synthetic or naturally occurring substances such as herbal substances.

Abstract: Alkali silicate glasses are described which, in view of their good chemical stability and their optical properties and processing properties, are particularly suitable as a coating or veneering material for ceramic dental frameworks and hence for the production of all-ceramic dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous implant materials which are loaded with an excipient/active compound combination, the excipient components used being oligomeric esters of polyhydric alcohols and .alpha.-hydroxy acids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a thin film of ultra-fine particles on a base body having a fine hole or groove with a large aspect ratio (larger than one). The ultra-fine particles are smaller than 0.1 .mu.m in diameter and are made from evaporated material. An aerosol is formed by dispersing and floating the ultra-fine particles in a gas at a pressure higher than 10.sup.2 Pa in an aerosol-forming chamber. The base body is held by a holding mechanism within a thin-film forming container. A vacuum system is connected to the thin-film forming container. The aerosol-forming chamber is placed in communication with the thin-film forming container so that the aerosol is applied onto the inner wall surface of the fine hole or the groove. As a result, the ultra-fine particles are diffused and adsorbed onto the inner wall surface.

Abstract: A battery electrode substrate which is constituted of a porous metallic body structure having communicating pores at a porosity of at least 90% and an Fe/Ni multilayer structure wherein the skeletal portion of the porous metallic body is composed mainly of Fe and has an Ni covering layer on the surface thereof while pores communicating with the inside and outside of Fe skeletal portion exist in the Fe skeletal portion and the inside of the pores is covered with Ni. The electrode substrate is produced by applying an iron oxide powder of at most 20 .mu.m in an average particle size on a porous resin core body; heat treating the core to remove an organic resin component while simultaneously sintering Fe to obtain a porous Fe body; and then covering the Fe skeletal portion with Ni by electroplating. In this process, the iron oxide can be used in combination with carbon powder. Further, a nickel porous sintered body can also be produced using nickel oxide in place of iron oxide.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film of a metal compound is disclosed. Within a vacuum chamber, a metallic ultra-thin film of a metal or an incompletely-reacted metal is deposited on a substrate. The metallic ultra-thin film is brought in contact with the electrically neutral activated species of a reactive gas so as to convert the metallic ultra-thin film to an ultra-thin film of a metal compound through the reaction of the metallic ultra-thin film with the activated species of the reactive gas. The above-described steps are sequentially repeated so as to deposit on the substrate the ultra-thin film of the metal compound in layers until a thin film of the metal compound having a desired thickness is formed on the substrate.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions of the present invention possess non-greening properties and comprise one or more glass or glass-ceramic components. Additionally, an oxygen release agent is included in the compositions. The porcelain compositions may vary depending upon the specific thermal properties desired.The application temperature of the porcelain compositions ranges from about 600.degree. C. to about 930.degree. C. depending upon the method of application of the porcelain. The coefficient of thermal expansion is preferably in the range of about 11.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. to about 16.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. The porcelain is compatible with cores and/or substrates having coefficients of thermal expansion in the range of about 11 to about 20.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of a frame for inlays, crowns and bridges in dental techniques. By means of the process, a considerable reduction in work and time expenditure is achieved in comparison with known processes. In the case of this process, frames of spinel, alumina, zirconia, metal powder or similar materials are produced in that a) a shrink foil is drawn on the stump or the stumps of a working model; b) the draw-non shrink foil is provided with a slip; and c) the shrink foil and the slip present on the shrink foil are removed from the working model and calcined to burn off the shrink foil.

Abstract: A metal powder having a vitreous thin layer on at least a part of the surface thereof wherein the amount of the vitreous thin layer is preferably 0.01 to 50% by weight based on the metal powder without the vitreous thin layer. The metal powder is prepared by a process comprising the steps of: bringing a solution comprising a heat-decomposable metal compound to fine droplets; and heating the droplets to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the metal compound, wherein a precursor of an oxide, heat-decomposable to produce a vitreous material which, together with the metal, does not form a solid solution, is added to the solution and the vitreous material is deposited, upon the heating, in the vicinity of the surface of the metal powder. The powder is useful for the preparation of a thick film paste used in a multilayer ceramic electronic component or substrate, since it has an excellent oxidation resistance during storage, in a conductor paste, and during firing of the paste.

Abstract: A precursor liquid comprising several metal 2-ethylhexanoates, such as strontium, tantalum, and bismuth 2-ethylhexanoates, in a xylenes/methyl ethyl ketone solvent is prepared, and deposited on a substrate. In one embodiement the substrate is placed within a vacuum deposition chamber, the precursor liquid is misted, and the mist is flowed into the deposition chamber while maintaining the chamber at ambient temperature to deposit the precursor liquid on the substrate. In another embodiment, the precursor is spin-coated on the substrate. The liquid is dried, baked, and annealed to form a thin film of a layered superlattice material, such as strontium bismuth tantalate, on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of treating surfaces and surface-adjacent layers of dental components in particular. A series of several different plasma treatments produces high adhesion between the plasma-treated surface and a layer of plastic applied thereto. The invention also concerns a method of sealing the surface of work by treating it with plasma and covering it with a layer that contains silicate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coloring ceramic surfaces, wherein the surfaces are treated with an aqueous solution of alkali metal or ammonium dithiosulphatoaurate(I) with a gold concentration of 0.1-10% by weight, the water is evaporated and the dithiosulphatoaurate(I) is decomposed at temperatures of 300-1400.degree. C.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions of the present invention comprise one or more glass or glass-ceramic powder components. Additionally, one or more opacifying agents, pigments, fluorescing agents and the like may be included in the composition. Based on volume percent, 10% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 1.1 microns and about 1.5 microns, 50% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 3 and about 6 microns, 90% of the particulate in the porcelain has a particle size of less than between about 8 and about 13.5 microns, and the maximum particle size of the particulate is greater than about 20 microns and less than about 60 microns. The mean particle size is preferably in the range of about 3.0 microns to about 6.5 microns.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel coating compositions, and materials composed of a polymeric plastic or rubber substrate or a metal substrate with a coating of a slippery, hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel thereon, such that the coating composition tenaciously adheres to the substrate, are disclosed. The coating compositions and coated materials are non-toxic and biocompatible, and are ideally suited for use on medical devices, particularly, catheters, catheter balloons and stents. The coating compositions, coated materials and coated devices demonstrate low coefficients of friction in contact with body fluids, especially blood, as well as a high degree of wear permanence over prolonged use of the device. The hydrogel coating compositions are capable of being dried to facilitate storage of the devices to which they have been applied, and can be instantly reactivated for later use by exposure to water.

Abstract: A powder having metal oxide films on its surface is obtained in which the films have a heightened refractive index and which hence shows a high reflectance and has a bright color. A powder is obtained which has a reduced number of metal oxide films on the surf ace and hence has a small particle diameter. A powder having a multilayered film on the surface which comprises a base particle having on the surface thereof a multilayered film comprising at least a metal oxide film formed by the hydrolysis of a metal alkoxide, and in which the multilayered film has undergone a heat treatment.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices are prepared by growth of epitaxial layers on a substrate from metalorganic compounds of the formula MR.sub.3, R being an alkyl group, or its amine adduct. The metalorganic compound was prepared by reacting a Grignard reagent with a metal halide in an amine solvent.

Abstract: A method of diffusion coating a surface of an alloy product containing at least 5 wt. % iron with a chromium-silicon coating uses a dual activator containing a fluoride salt and a chloride salt, at least one of those salts particularly being ammonium chloride or another ammonium halide salt. The pack mix contain at least 20% chromium and a chromium to silicon ratio of at least 10 to 1. The workpiece is heated to at least 2050.degree. F. to obtain a coating of at least 10 mils which contains at least 30% chromium. Upon heating the ammonium salt will form a reducing environment containing molecular hydrogen. The presence of molecular hydrogen speeds up the chemical reactions by an additional reduction reaction to create the surface coating which enables the coating reactions to occur shorter hold times.

Abstract: A substrate is located within a deposition chamber, the substrate defining a substrate plane. A barrier plate is disposed in spaced relation above the substrate and substantially parallel thereto, the area of said barrier plate in a plane parallel to said substrate being substantially equal to said area of said substrate in said substrate plane, i.e. within 10% of said substrate area. The barrier plate has a smoothness tolerance of 5% of the average distance between said barrier plate and said substrate. A mist is generated, allowed to settle in a buffer chamber, filtered through a 1 micron filter, and flowed into the deposition chamber between the substrate and barrier plate to deposit a liquid layer on the substrate. The liquid is dried to form a thin film of solid material on the substrate, which is then incorporated into an electrical component of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A catgut suture includes a cross linked gelatin coating which is substantially insoluble in tubing or storage solution. The gelatin coating is formed by immersing the gut suture in aqueous gelatin solution, fixing the gelatin in a solution of cross linking agent such as glutaraldehyde, buffering the coating, then drying the suture at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor element includes a solid electrolyte having cavities on a surface thereof and an electrode formed on the surface of the solid electrolyte. In a method of producing the oxygen sensor element, a solution containing a noble metal compound for nucleus formation is first applied to an electrode forming portion of the solid electrolyte to form a coating film. Then, the coating film is heat-treated to form a nucleus forming portion where noble metal nuclei are deposited. Subsequently, metal plating is applied to the nucleus forming portion to form a plating film deeply entering the cavities. Thereafter, the plating film is burned to form the electrode deeply entering the cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functional film composed of an organic film having a low heat resistance and an inorganic thin film in which functional particles such as photocatalytic particles or conductive particles are dispersed, the inorganic thin film being formed on the organic film. The functional film is stuck on the surface of, for example, a CRT display with a pressure-sensitive adhesive or the like for simply securing antireflection and antistatic effects of the CRT display. The functional film including an inorganic thin film in which photocatalytic particles are dispersed, is stuck on wallpaper or the like for simply securing deodorant and stainproofing effects of the wallpaper.

Abstract: A method of making an improved composite containing substantially non-segregating solid reinforcing elements therein is disclosed. New composites and non-segregating solid reinforcing elements for these composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a light-absorbing chalcopyrite film is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: applying at least one solution containing at least either of (a) an organic compound of a metal in Group 1B of the periodic table and (b) an organic compound of a metal in Group 3B of the periodic table on a substrate at least once to thereby form a thin film containing the organic compound (a) and the organic compound (b); heating the thin film in a reducing or inert gas atmosphere to convert the thin film into a thin metal film comprising the Group 1B metal and the Group 3B metal; and heating the thin metal film in an atmosphere containing either an element in Group 6B of the periodic table or a compound thereof to thereby convert the thin metal film into a thin chalcopyrite film.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit and method for the preparation of dental products. First, second and third materials are provided in labeled containers. Preferably the first, second and third materials are pastes or powders. The first material has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque layer. The second material has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque layer. The third material has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque layer. The third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 10 CIE L*a*b units.

Abstract: The present invention offers processes for CVD (chemical vapor deposition) that enables one to use a new metallic organic compound as a raw material resource. The present invention involves the steps of: adding a metallic organic compound having a group capable of becoming free to a liquid of a compound having the same group as the group capable of becoming free of the metallic organic compound to prepare a solution; vaporizing the solution; decomposing the metallic organic compound; and depositing a metallic film on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a layer of palladium on a substrate, comprising:preparing a solution of a palladium precursor, wherein the palladium precursor consists ofPd(OOCR.sup.1).sub.m (OOCR.sup.2).sub.nwhereinR.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, --R.sup.3 COOH, alkyl from 1 to 5 carbons substituted with one or two hydroxyl groups,R.sup.2 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, --R.sup.3 COOH, alkyl from 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with one or two hydroxyl groups, --CHO,R.sup.3 is alkyl, and alkyl groups from 1 to 5 carbon atoms substituted with one or two hydroxyl groupsm and n are real numbers or fractions, and m+n=2;applying the palladium precursor to the surface of the substrate;decomposing the palladium precursor by subjecting the precursor to heat.

Abstract: A flavored toothpaste composition is bonded to the bristles of a disposable toothbrush by a process which involves the chemical grafting and polymerizing of selected monomers and prepolymers to the bristles via a free radical mechanism. This process locks in the flavor until the product can be utilized. When the toothpaste is brought into contact with an aqueous medium, such as saliva in the oral cavity, the toothpaste dissolves thereby releasing the desired flavor to the teeth and oral cavity.

Abstract: Using a material comprising a metal organic compound and an inorganic filler, a composite film is obtained by coating a substrate with said material and heat-treating the coating. The obtained composite film improves the properties of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thick film formed of a mixture of metal powders and metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) compounds in an organic liquid vehicle and a process for advantageously applying them to a substrate by silk screening or other printing technology. The mixtures preferably contain metal flake with a ratio of the maximum dimension to the minimum dimension of between 5 and 50. The vehicle may include a colloidal metal powder with a diameter of about 10 to about 40 nanometers. The concentration of the colloidal metal in the suspension can range from about 10 to about 50% by weight. The MOD compound begins to decompose at a temperature of approximately about 200.degree. C. to promote consolidation of the metal constituents and bonding to the substrate which is complete at temperatures less than 450.degree. C. in a time less than six minutes.

Abstract: A method for forming a supported thin layer of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material and a getter device formed thereby are provided. A suspension comprised of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material particles in a dispersing medium is prepared. The NEG material particles in the suspension have a particle size not greater than about 150 .mu.m. The dispersing medium has an aqueous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic base and contains not more than about 1 wt % of organic compounds having a boiling temperature of at least about 250.degree. C. The ratio of the weight of the NEG material particles to the weight of the dispersing medium is between about 4:1 and about 1:1. A layer of the suspension is deposited on a carrier by a serigraphic technique. Next, the deposited layer is dried to evaporate volatile components of the dispersing medium and thereby form a dried deposit. Finally, the dried deposit is sintered under vacuum at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submergible surface. The method contacts the submergible surface with an effective amount of at least one fluorosurfactant to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the submergible surface. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling biofouling of an aqueous system. This method adds an effective amount of at least one fluorosurfactant to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submerged surface within the aqueous system. This method effectively controls biofouling without substantially killing the bacteria fouling organisms. The fluorosurfactant used in the method of the invention is an anionic or nonionic fluorosurfactant selected from: R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 Li, (R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)P(O) (ONH.sub.4).sub.2, (R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.2 P(O) (ONH.sub.4), (R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O)P(O) (OH).sub.2, (R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.2 P(O) (OH), R.sub.f CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O (CH.

Abstract: In the case of a paraffin waxing device for a travelling yarn, a rotating paraffin body is weighted in axial direction against a stopping face. The stopping face lies against the front surface of the paraffin body, over which the travelling yarn is guided. During the waxing process, undesired rubbing off of paraffin particles can soil the feed material or the machine elements. According to the invention, the stopping face is rolled on the rotating front surface. The rubbing-off of paraffin particles, in particular in the area of the stopping face, is hereby avoided.

Abstract: A nickel powder having a composite oxide layer comprising lanthanum and nickel and, optionally an oxide of chromium, on at least a part of the surface thereof. The nickel powder is produced by a process comprising the steps of: bringing a solution comprising at least one heat-decomposable nickel compound and at least one heat-decomposable lanthanum compound and, optionally, at least one heat-decomposable chromium compound, to fine droplets; and heating the droplets at a temperature above the decomposition temperatures of these compounds to prepare a nickel powder and, at the same time, to deposit a composite oxide layer comprising lanthanum and nickel and, when present, chromium oxide, in the vicinity of the surface of the nickel powder.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a conductive line between a conductor and a spacer formed on a substrate of a field emission display. In one embodiment, the process performs the steps of disposing a screen between the substrate and a distributing member, the screen having an opening which permits the extrusion a conductive material, and moving the distributing member relative to the screen to extrude the conductive material through the opening and form a conductive line connecting the conductor and the spacer, wherein the snap off distance is varied according as the distributing member moves along the substrate.

Abstract: Silver metal-coated boron carbide (B.sub.4 C) particle reinforce aluminumthium alloy or magnesium-lithium matrix composites which are prepared by coating the B.sub.4 C particles with molten AgNO.sub.3, decomposing the molten AgNO.sub.3 to form a coating of silver metal on the B.sub.4 C particles, mixing the silver coated B.sub.4 C particles into a molten aluminum-lithium alloy or magnesium-lithium alloy matrix, allowing the mixture to cool and solidify the solid composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of the fibre product pre-impregnated with a polymer (prepreg) where the method includes: a) coating the fibres with a powder comprising at least one polymer and optionally an agent having the ability to initiate the polymerization reaction of the polymer, b) adding to the composition obtained in step a) a solvent possessing the ability to dissolve the polymer but lacking the ability to initiate the polymerization reaction of the polymer, and c) evaporating the solvent. Alternatively, the polymer (optionally including the initiating agent) can first be dissolved in the solvent after which the fibres are contacted with the solution thus obtained and the solvent is evaporated. The surface of the fibres is preferably treated so as to facilitate the bonding of the polymer to the fibres, whereafter the surface treated fibres are coated with the polymer powder.

Abstract: Nonporous inorganic support materials can be coated with metal and/or metal oxide in an abrasion-resistant manner by applying very dilute aqueous solutions of at least one metal compound to the heated shaped body so that the water can vaporize immediately and, if desired, subsequently calcining the shaped bodies at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A flavored toothpaste composition is bonded to the bristles of a disposable toothbrush by a process which involves the chemical grafting and polymerizing of selected monomers and prepolymers to the bristles via a free radical mechanism. This process locks in the flavor until the produce can be utilized. When the toothpaste is brought into contact with an aqueous medium, such as saliva in the oral cavity, the toothpaste dissolves thereby releasing the desired flavor to the teeth and oral cavity.

Abstract: Methods of brazing and coating and preparing articles for brazing and coating are disclosed. Prior to assembly and brazing, the articles are coated with a coating composition including a hot melt adhesive medium and brazing materials. To coat the articles, the hot melt adhesive medium and brazing materials are first mixed at elevated temperatures to form a liquid coating material, the material is allowed to harden, and the hardened material is then melted onto the articles to form a hard coating. The coated articles are then assembled for brazing. During the brazing process, the articles are first preheated to a sufficient temperature to substantially gasify and remove the hot melt adhesive medium from the articles. This leaves only the brazing materials on the articles for clean and efficient brazing of the articles in a conventional brazing oven. In one embodiment, the hot melt adhesive medium takes the form of a hot melt glue from the chemical family of ethylene-vinyl acetate bases.

Abstract: Goniochromatic luster pigments based on multiply coated platelet-shaped metallic substrates comprising at least one layer packet ofA) a layer consisting essentially of silicon oxide, silicon oxide hydrate, aluminum oxide and/or aluminum oxide hydrate, andB) a nonselectively absorbing, silicon-containing layer which is at least partially transparent to visible light,and also, if desired, additionallyC) an outer layer which consists essentially of colorless or selectively absorbing metal oxide,are useful for coloring paints, inks, including printing inks, plastics, glasses, ceramic products and decorative cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: Nanostructured metal powders and films are made by dissolving or wetting a metal precursor in an alcoholic solvent. The resulting mixture is then heated to reduce the metal precursor to a metal precipitate. The precipitated metal may be isolated, for example, by filtration.

Abstract: A method of planarizing a non-planar substrate, such as filling vias and contact holes, spreads a suspension of a conducting material suspended in a liquid on a substrate. The suspension includes an organometallic material, preferably with particles of a polymerized tin or indium alkoxide. The material is spread by spinning the substrate after applying the suspension. The carrier liquid and organic groups are removed by baking and curing at elevated temperatures, thereby depositing the conductive material on the substrate in a layer which is more planar than the substrate and which has regions of greater and lesser thickness. A relatively brief etch step removes conductive material from regions of lesser thickness, leaving material filling vias or contact holes.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carbon and/or silicon coated ceramic fibers is disclosed involving contact of a preceramic fiber with a hydrocarbon or a silane which decomposes at a temperature no higher than 500.degree. C. at 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of placing a substrate that generates heat by induction on a ceramic or vitreous ceramic food receptacle. A single layer of electrically conductive and/or ferro/ferrimagnetic material is applied to the bottom of the receptacle on the inside or the outside and is subsequently fired.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for priming or sealing dental or biological substrates for subsequent bonding. The primer is particularly useful for priming dentin of a tooth to prepare the dentin for bonding with a resinous material. The primer comprises a mixture of a polymerization initiator such as camphoroquinone and a polymerizable promoter such as methacrylic acid. Polymerizable promoters within the scope of the present invention have at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one carboxylic acid group. The primer may further comprise a solvent such as ethanol, a natural resin such as Canadian balsam and a polymerizable resin such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The primer can also be formed from a mixture of a polymerization initiator, a natural resin and a polymerizable resin.

Abstract: A method for strengthening and increasing the thickness of the strengthened surface layer of a dental ceramic restorative material where the ceramic material is heat treated with a salt composition containing a lithium ion and a metal ion larger than the lithium ion first at a temperature above the strain temperature followed by a second heat treatment with the salt composition at a temperature below the strain temperature. The treatment is especially effective for all-ceramic, high-leucite feldspathic porcelain restorations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth pick (1), whereby the tooth pick (1) has a blade (2) of elastic plastic material, whereby the surface of said blade (2) is provided with bristles (4) which have been brought in contact with the blade (2) through electrostatic attraction, whereby the bristles (4) have been brought to unite with the blade (2) and whereby the blade (2) comprises a brushing portion (5) provided with bristles (4) and furthermore, a cleaning tip (6) without or substantially without bristles. In order to also permit cleaning of very narrow interdental spaces by means of this tooth pick (1) without damaging the gums, the cleaning tip (6) has in its full length or at least substantial parts thereof a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit, system and method for the preparation of porcelain dental restorations. First, second and third powders are provided in labeled containers. The first powder has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least opaque porcelain layer. The second powder has a lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque ceramic layer. The third powder has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into a most opaque ceramic layer. The .third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value differences between the third lightness value (L.sub.3) and the first lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units. Preferably, the first powder has a first hue (H.sub.1) when formed into the least opaque porcelain layer, the second powder has a second hue (H.sub.2) when formed into the less opaque ceramic layer, and the third powder has a third hue (H.sub.3) when formed into the most opaque ceramic layer.