Patents by Inventor Erkki Tammisalo

Erkki Tammisalo 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: 5386448
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for imaging a desired object by using a panoramic X-ray radiography apparatus equipped with exposure automatics, the apparatus including an X-ray generator (5), an X-ray tube (6), and an image receptor (8) with its holder (10). The detecting of the cone of rays (7) which has passed through the object, for the purpose of determining the exposure value, is carried out during the imaging at points positioned in each given case at different heights (17) in the cone of rays, by using one or more detectors (1). The positioning can be done either by moving the detector or by activating a certain detector in an arrangement of a number of detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma Oy
    Inventors: Erkki Tammisalo, Tuomas Kyllonen
  • Patent number: 4852134
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the radiographic recording of a patient's dentition, jaws, and skull regions invalues seating a patient in a patient chair (9) so as localize the patient in the coordinate system of the radiographic apparatus in an unequivocal position before taking the exposure for a radiograph (87). Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the radiograph (87) is used for measuring the coordinates of a desired object (95) by a coordinate locator (88), after which the desired partial area (94 or 96) is selected on the basis of the coordinates, and the exposure direction is changed in relation to the first exposure in the horizontal plane and/or the vertical plane before executing the exposure program for the desired partial area (94 or 96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma Oy
    Inventors: Ilmari Kinanen, Heikki Kanerva, Erkki Tammisalo
  • Patent number: 4683581
    Abstract: An apparatus for panoramic X-ray photography of the area of the dentition and the jaws, comprising a frame part, a bearing part linearly movable in relation to the frame part, and a support arm attached rotatably to the bearing part, the arm having at one end an X-ray film and at the opposite end an X-ray source. The movements of the bearing part, the support arm and the film are synchronized in such a way that an image of an area of desired shape, e.g. the patient's dental arch, is obtained on the film. The invention provides a possibility, without shifting the patient, of altering the enlargement and, additionally of tilting the X-ray beam a desired angle in relation to the horizontal, whereby e.g. teeth oblique in relation to the vertical can be photographed more sharply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma
    Inventors: Erkki Tammisalo, Heikki Kanerva, Jaakko Aarnio, Markku Wederhorn, Kai Laner
  • Patent number: 4646335
    Abstract: An apparatus for panoramic X-ray photography of the area of the dentition and the jaws, comprising a frame part, a bearing part linearly movable in relation to the frame part, and a support arm attached rotatably to the bearing part, and having at one end an X-ray film and at the opposite end an X-ray source. The movements of the bearing part, the support arm and the film are synchronized in such a way that an image of an area of desired shape, e.g. the patient's dental arch, is obtained on the film. The invention provides the effect that the X-ray beam can be tilted to a desired angle in relation to the horizontal, whereby it is possible with greater sharpness to photograph, for example, teeth slanted in relation to the vertical. For this purpose, the support arm is tiltable about an axis perpendicular to its rotational axis so that, when this axis is vertical, the straight line connecting the source of radiation and the film is obligue to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Orion-Yhtyma
    Inventors: Erkki Tammisalo, Heikki Kanerva, Jaakko Aarnio, Markku Wederhorn, Kai Laner
  • Patent number: 4449225
    Abstract: The invention relates to carrying out a pre-adjustment, before photographing is started, in panoramic X-ray photography using an X-ray device which performs a rotational movement and supports a moving film and an X-ray source. The object is to achieve a correct positioning of the focus in relation to the patient. This is achieved without moving either the patient or the X-ray apparatus, or more precisely, merely by selecting the correct ratio between the film speed and the movement of the X-ray apparatus, instead of mechanical movement. In the apparatus, a viewing member is used, and the correct speed variation curve for the film during the photographing movement is selected on the basis of the position or reading of the viewing member. The film is reeled preferably by means of an electric motor, in which case a sensor can be connected to the sighting member, and the motor is controlled electronically according to the electric output signal of the sensor by means of, for example, a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Erkki Tammisalo