Patents Assigned to San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6976844
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to ultrasonic microtube dental instruments designed to cut around a broken instrument by allowing the broken instrument to be placed within a lumen of the microtube instrument while simultaneously boring with the broken instrument and being guided by the broken instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Hickok, Clifford Ruddle
  • Patent number: 6910889
    Abstract: A dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, includes an elongated unitary shaft member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end having an outer surface, an attachment member at the proximal end to enable detachable attachment to an ultrasonic transducer; and a cutting surface defined by a plurality of grooves on the outer surface forming sharp edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa R. Hickok
  • Patent number: 5868570
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tool for use with an ultrasonic transducer, comprises a substantially elongate tool defined by a shaft having a proximal end with a connector for attachment to an ultrasonic transducer, a distal end having a tip configured for performing a dental procedure, a portion of straight cylindrical wall from the tip inward toward the proximal end, and a contra-angle portion of substantially uniform diameter on the proximal end, and a uniform gradual tapered portion intermediate the distal end and the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa R. Hickok, Claude E. Martin, Clifford J. Ruddle
  • Patent number: 5867912
    Abstract: A handle assembly having a swivel head for detachably holding a blade, includes a substantially elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is formed with a threaded shank having a having a hemispherical socket at the end thereof, a sleeve having a threaded socket on one end for threadably mounting on the threaded shank and having an open slot extending from the other end to intersection of the threaded bore and partially along the length thereof, a blade mounting head comprising a threaded cylindrical body having a shank extending from one end, the shank adapted for receipt in the open slot and having a spherical tip for receipt in the threaded bore and engagement with the sleeve and the semi-spherical socket, the body adapted for swiveling on the spherical tip in the socket and slot, an axial bore extending coaxial of the threaded cylindrical body from the other end, an elongated collet having a longitudinal axis and inner walls surrounding an axial passage and first and second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa R. Hickok, Claude E. Martin
  • Patent number: 5839896
    Abstract: A dental tool apparatus for use in the removal of a dental post and other intercanal obstructions comprises a pliers having a first end for mounting a post connector and a second end for applying a force to the connector a substantially elongate post connector defined by a shaft having a proximal for attachment to a lever device, and a distal end having an open bore having a stepped diameter and self taping threads in the bore at the end for engaging and threading onto a dental post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa R. Hickok, Clifford J. Ruddle
  • Patent number: 5704787
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental tip that is hardened by a novel process that includes roughing the tip and then applying a metal nitride coating, such as titanium nitride (Ti--N) or zirconium nitride (Zr--N). The roughing is preferably accomplished by sandblasting the tip with a microblaster. Optionally the tip may be heat treated after it has been roughened and prior to being coated in order to further increase its hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa R. Hickok, Claude E. Martin
  • Patent number: 5657541
    Abstract: A holder assembly for a surgical blade includes a handle assembly and a wrench for loosening/tightening the blade from/to the handle of the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a collet having two longitudinal slits that enable the collet to secure the blade in a first and second direction to prevent slippage during operation. The collet fits in the handle and is secured by a retaining member that fits over the collet with the blade intact. The retaining member is loosened/tightened by a wrench that is part of the holder assembly. The wrench is configured to cover the blade completely when the wrench is placed in operation. Part of the cover is removable for cleaning by inserting the closed end of the wrench into the wrench body and pushing the cover's cap off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa R. Hickok, Claude E. Martin
  • Patent number: D587369
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa R. Hickok
  • Patent number: D588270
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa R. Hickok
  • Patent number: D588697
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: San Diego Swiss Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa R. Hickok