Patents by Inventor Alan F. Conley

Alan F. Conley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10307232
    Abstract: Packaged orthodontic assemblies include a chamber, an orthodontic appliance, and a support structure engaged with the appliance to secure the appliance in the chamber. The support structure can include a post complemental to a partially enclosed passage, typically an arch wire slot, in the appliance body. The support may orient the wall sections of the enclosed passage at an acute angle relative to a chamber side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Publication number: 20180177577
    Abstract: Packaged orthodontic assemblies include a chamber, an orthodontic appliance, and a support structure engaged with the appliance to secure the appliance in the chamber. The support structure can include a post complemental to a partially enclosed passage, typically an arch wire slot, in the appliance body. The support may orient the wall sections of the enclosed passage at an acute angle relative to a chamber side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Patent number: 9925025
    Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Publication number: 20170065388
    Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Patent number: 9504544
    Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Publication number: 20150118642
    Abstract: Provided packaged orthodontic assemblies and methods compressively retain an orthodontic appliance in a container along opposing sides of the appliance adjacent the bonding surfaces of its base. This can be done using a mechanism that limits contact between the appliance and the container while accommodating a substantial range of transverse base dimensions. This engagement mechanism allows an adhesive-coated appliance to be retained in a consistent orientation for convenient dispensing, while limiting potentially adverse interactions between the adhesive and the container. By avoiding loss of the adhesive components during storage, these assemblies and methods can extend shelf life and provide consistent adhesive handling properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Alan F. Conley, John A. Verdouw
  • Publication number: 20140374282
    Abstract: Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, JR., Alan F. Conley
  • Patent number: 8875873
    Abstract: Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Alan F. Conley
  • Publication number: 20130075282
    Abstract: Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, JR., Alan F. Conley