Patents Assigned to BruxCare, L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 6270466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism thorough biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics mounted in a light-weight headband which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and bio-feedback is provided to the user by a piezoelectric transducer in mechanical contact with the head of the user. One electrode of the piezoelectric transducer also serves as the reference sense electrode. The electrodes require no chemistry, allowing the apparatus to be worn for considerable periods without skin irritation. Information detailing the timing, quantity, and duration of bruxing events may be stored internally for later retrieval via display, computer interface, or voice synthesis interface. When EMG signals satisfy certain pre-determined time and amplitude conditions, an acoustical bio-feedback signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: BruxCare, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lee Weinstein, Thomas E. Devlin, Karl T. Ulrich, Clay Burns
  • Patent number: 6117092
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism through biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics (M1) mounted in a light-weight headband (HB1) which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes (E) within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and biofeedback is provided to the user through an earphone (SK).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: BruxCare L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lee Weinstein, Karl T. Ulrich, Thomas E. Devlin, Clay Burns
  • Patent number: 5911576
    Abstract: A bruxism monitoring device comprising a thin shell formed to the shape of and elastically retained to one or more teeth, said shell further comprising: a plurality of layers having mutually distinguishable colors, each color distinguishable from the colors of adjacent layers; and a material thickness that is greater anteriorly than posteriorly. The outer layer of the shell, when worn away by grinding action, reveals an inner layer. The regions of wear may be analyzed to determine the extent of the bruxing activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: BruxCare, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl T. Ulrich, Lee Weinstein, K. Alex McDonald, Clay A. Burns