Patents by Inventor Chunhua Li

Chunhua Li 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).

  • Publication number: 20220287870
    Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices for treating sleep apnea are provided herein. In one aspect, an intraoral appliance for treating sleep apnea in a patient comprises an appliance shell comprising a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth of a jaw of the patient. The appliance shell can comprise an advancement structure arranged to interact with an opposing jaw of the patient so as to displace the lower jaw anteriorly relative to the upper jaw. The plurality of cavities can comprise cavity geometries shaped to reduce repositioning of one or more received teeth elicited by displacement of the lower jaw anteriorly relative to the upper jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce CAM, Crystal TJHIA, Chunhua LI, Vadim MATOV, John MORTON
  • Patent number: 11419710
    Abstract: A dental appliance having an integrally formed reservoir and/or an ornamental design integrated thereon. The ornamental design can be selected or customized by a patient. The design can be created by directing energy to the dental appliance to alter a material property of at least a portion of the appliance to create the design. Alternatively, a groove or recess can be formed on a surface of the appliance to either mechanically retain an ornamental design or the groove or recess can be filled with ink to form the design. The appliance, including the integrally formed reservoir, can be formed using direct fabrication techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mason, Shiva Sambu, Chunhua Li, Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 11413854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer, preferably co-extruded, plastic film with improved modulus properties, which is suitable, in particular, for producing three-dimensionally shaped articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Heinz Pudleiner, Klaus Meyer, Jürgen Winkler, Wolfgang Bräuer, Joerg Nickel, Craig Pehlert, Chunhua Li, Yan Chen
  • Publication number: 20220249203
    Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Chunhua LI, Yan CHEN, Heinz PUDLEINER, Klaus MEYER, Joerg NICKEL, Craig PEHLERT
  • Publication number: 20220241052
    Abstract: Detection of placement of dental aligners in patient mouth on teeth for indication of wearing compliance. Described herein are apparatuses and methods for detecting wearing, including compliance. In some variations these apparatuses and methods may include a sensor configured to detect deflection of the one or more deflectable structures. In some variations, these apparatuses and methods may include a proximity sensor coupled to the appliance shell and configured to generate sensor data when in proximity with intraoral tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Yaser SHANJANI, Bruce CAM, Jun SATO, John Y. MORTON, Victor CHEN, Chunhua LI, Allen R. BORONKAY, Srinivas KAZA
  • Patent number: 11376153
    Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices for treating sleep apnea are provided herein. In one aspect, an intraoral appliance for treating sleep apnea in a patient comprises an appliance shell comprising a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth of a jaw of the patient. The appliance shell can comprise an advancement structure arranged to interact with an opposing jaw of the patient so as to displace the lower jaw anteriorly relative to the upper jaw. The plurality of cavities can comprise cavity geometries shaped to reduce repositioning of one or more received teeth elicited by displacement of the lower jaw anteriorly relative to the upper jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Cam, Crystal Tjhia, Chunhua Li, Vadim Matov, John Morton
  • Patent number: 11364191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a topcoat composition for basecoat compositions including at least one volatile oil and at least one ethylenic polymer, as well as to systems, kits and methods of treating, making-up and enhancing the appearance of lips, wherein the topcoat composition includes at least one polyamine compound, at least one non-volatile silicone oil and at least one silicone gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: L'ORÉAL
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Roselin Rosario-Melendez, Susan Ashley Desteno, Chao Zhu, Rita Jaky El-Khouri
  • Patent number: 11304778
    Abstract: Detection of placement of dental aligners in patient mouth on teeth for indication of wearing compliance. Described herein are apparatuses and methods for detecting wearing, including compliance. In some variations these apparatuses and methods may include a sensor configured to detect deflection of the one or more deflectable structures. In some variations, these apparatuses and methods may include a proximity sensor coupled to the appliance shell and configured to generate sensor data when in proximity with intraoral tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaser Shanjani, Bruce Cam, Jun Sato, John Y. Morton, Victor Chen, Chunhua Li, Allen R. Boronkay, Srinivas Kaza
  • Publication number: 20220096340
    Abstract: A method and mascara capable of providing semi-permanent curl to eyelashes is provided. The method involves applying a mascara that is substantially free of waxes and oxidizers to an eyelash, such as a magnetic eyelash. The mascara contains greater than 10% and less than 50% by weight of at least one ferromagnetic pigment, and between 9% and 18% solids content of a contractile polymer. After application, a magnet is temporarily held or moved over the eyelash in the direction of curl. Preferably the curling is accomplished without using a brush or eyelash tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher PANG, Sylvie FORET-FRISTOT, Chunhua LI
  • Patent number: 11278375
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution. A method includes obtaining a digital design of a polymeric aligner for a dental arch of a patient. The polymeric aligner is shaped to apply forces to teeth of the dental arch. The method also includes performing an analysis on the digital design of the polymeric aligner using at least one of a) a trained machine learning model, b) a numerical simulation, c) a geometry evaluator or d) a rules engine. The method may also include determining, based on the analysis, whether the digital design of the polymeric aligner includes probable points of damage, wherein for a probable point of damage there is a threshold probability that breakage, deformation, or warpage will occur. The method may also include, responsive to determining that the digital design of the polymeric aligner comprises probable points of damage, performing corrective actions based on the probable points of damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuxiang Wang, Rohit Tanugula, Reza Shirazi Aghjari, Andrew Jang, Chunhua Li, Jun Sato, Luyao Cai, Viktoria Medvinskaya, Arno Kukk, Andrey Cherkas, Anna Akopova, Kangning Su
  • Publication number: 20220064422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for application to lips. The compositions include at least about 8% by weight of a thermoplastic block copolymer comprising styrenated blocks; at least one non-polar oil and at least one polar oil having a molecular weight of less than 650 g/mol. The ratio of the concentrations by weight of the at least one non-polar oil to the concentration by weight of the at least one polar oil having a molecular weight of less than 650 g/mol is at least about 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Andrea Erin SCHOTT, Daniella Cristina GONZALEZ-TORO, Chunhua LI, Hy Si BUI
  • Publication number: 20220023010
    Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location, specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Tanugula, John Morton, Chunhua Li, Bastien Pesenti, Jihua Cheng, Jeeyoung Choi
  • Publication number: 20220015870
    Abstract: A series of a palatal expanders increasing width can be used to gradually expand a patient's palate. Each palatal expander may have a palatal region flanked by teeth regions. The palatal region can have a plurality of anchor-receiving features (e.g., anchor interfaces) that allow the palatal expander to be attached to temporary anchorage device anchors that have been implanted into the patient's maxilla.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Jeremy RILEY, Eric KUO, Chunhua LI
  • Patent number: 11213369
    Abstract: Multilayer polymer sheets are provided, as well as related methods, systems, and appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Yan Chen, Heinz Pudleiner, Klaus Meyer, Joerg Nickel, Craig Pehlert
  • Publication number: 20210378795
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for forming a patterned dental positioning appliance. One method includes forming a virtual shell shaped to receive one or more teeth of a virtual model of a patient's dentition, and digitally applying a pattern on an inner surface within cavities of the virtual shell, where the pattern contacts at least a portion of the one or more teeth and modifies repositioning forces exerted on the one or more teeth. In some cases the pattern is a raised pattern, such as a raised mesh pattern. In forming the dental appliance, in some cases, the shell and the pattern are formed of the same material to form a unitary piece of the polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Chunhua LI, Yan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20210369413
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for producing appliances for expansion of the palate of a patient are provided. A palate expanding orthodontic appliance comprises a teeth engagement portion comprising a plurality of teeth engagement structures and a force generating portion coupled to the teeth engagement portion and configured to apply force to cause the patient's palate to expand. The orthodontic appliances can be designed according to the specifications provided herein and manufactured using direct fabrication methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Avi Kopelman, Srinivas Kaza, Ryan Kimura, Yaser Shanjani
  • Patent number: 11174338
    Abstract: Provided herein are curable compositions for use in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, a method of producing crosslinked polymers using said curable compositions, crosslinked polymers thus produced, and orthodontic appliances comprising the crosslinked polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Liska, Christian Gorsche, György Harakaly, Markus Kury, Jürgen Stampfl, Peter Dorfinger, Yan Chen, Chunhua Li, Srinivas Kaza
  • Publication number: 20210329954
    Abstract: A process for transglucosylation of steviol glycosides. A sweetener composition comprises at least 95% total glycosylated steviol glycosides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Varuzhan ABELYAN, Chunhua LI, Yanmei LI, Xiangang LYU, Yang ZHANG, Chunguang DONG
  • Patent number: 11154384
    Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Yan Chen, Heinz Pudleiner, Klaus Meyer, Joerg Nickel, Craig Pehlert
  • Patent number: 11141243
    Abstract: A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location, specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Tanugula, John Morton, Chunhua Li, Bastien Pesenti, Jihua Cheng, Jeeyoung Choi