Patents by Inventor James D. Cleary
James D. Cleary 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).
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Patent number: 7404714Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus is made by initially placing spacer material over a replica of the patient's tooth structure. A tray is then formed over the spacer material and hardened. Next, the spacer material is removed from the tooth replica and orthodontic appliances are placed on the replica at desired locations. A matrix material is placed between the tray and the replica and allowed to harden. Optionally, the apparatus includes features for facilitating removal of the transfer apparatus after the bonding procedure has been completed, and features for applying firm, uniform pressure to the appliances during the bonding procedure. Other aspects of indirect bonding are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
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Publication number: 20080160476Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: David K. Cinader, James D. Cleary, Rajdeep S. Kalgutkar
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Patent number: 7364428Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., James D. Cleary, Rajdeep S. Kalgutkar
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Publication number: 20070287121Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus for orthodontic bonding procedures includes a tray having inner wall sections defining a channel for receiving the patient's dental arch. A number of orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the tray along the channel, and each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to the tooth. The wall sections include at least one groove extending along the base of at least one appliance in order to provide a space between the wall sections and the patient's tooth structure when the tray is received on the patient's dental arch. The space hinders the flow of oral fluids such as saliva in directions toward the base in order to help ensure that the fluids do not adversely affect the strength of the resulting adhesive bond between the appliance and the tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: David K. Cinader, James D. Cleary, Rajdeep S. Kalgutkar
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Patent number: 7264117Abstract: An orthodontic set-up tray includes at least two sections, and each section includes at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. A coupling movably connects the sections together to enable relative movement between the sections. The coupling advantageously permits the overall size of the set-up tray to be reduced or enlarged as may be desired by the practitioner. Optionally, the coupling is a releasable coupling that enables the sections to be detached from one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gail V. Atkin, Dick Lee, Oliver L. Puttler, Joan V. Brennan, James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 7188421Abstract: A quantity of a photocurable composition, such as an orthodontic adhesive containing a photoinitiator, is placed between the base of an orthodontic appliance and a replica of a patient's tooth structure. The replica is made using a material that transmits actinic radiation. As the appliance is pressed into firm contact with the replica tooth structure, an outer surface of the photocurable composition assumes the configuration of the underlying portion of the replica tooth structure. Actinic radiation is then directed to the photocurable composition, and at least part of the actinic radiation is directed through the replica tooth model in order to harden the photocurable composition. The hardened composition provides a contoured bonding surface having a shape that matches corresponding regions of the patient's tooth structure. Methods are also disclosed for making an orthodontic indirect bonding transfer apparatus for use with appliances having a contoured bonding surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler
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Publication number: 20070031774Abstract: In general, the invention relates to techniques for registering a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system of a physical model of a patient's tooth structure to a 3D coordinate system of a virtual model of the same tooth structure. Techniques are described to register the complex geometries of the physical and virtual tooth structures by using registration markers associated with the physical model.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2005Publication date: February 8, 2007Inventors: David K. Cinader, James D. Cleary, Oliver L. Puttler, Richard E. Raby
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Publication number: 20070031790Abstract: In general, the invention relates to techniques for registering a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system of a physical model of a patient's tooth structure to a 3D coordinate system of a virtual model of the same tooth structure. Techniques are described to register the complex geometries of the physical and virtual tooth structures by using a known physical characteristic of a pedestal associated with the physical model.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2005Publication date: February 8, 2007Inventors: Richard E. Raby, James D. Cleary, Oliver L. Puttler
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Patent number: 7155373Abstract: Selection of orthodontic brackets from predefined and existing orthodontic brackets is provided by a user viewing a patient's teeth and using, for example, a user interface, to define a three-dimensional tooth/arch model from three-dimensional model data. Likewise, a prescription is selected. With such information, the teeth of the defined tooth/arch model can be positioned in prescribed positions. Once modifications to the prescription or for that matter the patient's tooth/arch model, if any, are made, predefined and existing orthodontic brackets can be selected, e.g., such selection can be based on selection criteria used to search a database including parameters defining such predefined and existing orthodontic brackets.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Russell A. Jordan, Ming-Lai Lai, James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 7140876Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a latch that comprises at least one clip with a region for receiving an archwire. The clip also includes a recess for receiving a post of the appliance, and the recess is not in communication with the archwire-receiving region. The post functions to secure the clip to remaining components of the appliance, such as a body or base of the appliance. Optionally, the clip may include a second recess for receiving a second post of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David K. Cinader, Jirina V. Pospisil, James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 7137812Abstract: Apparatus for use in indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances includes a container having a chamber and a placement device received in the chamber. At least one orthodontic appliance is releasably connected to the placement device and has a base with a contour that is a replica of a portion of the patient's tooth structure. A bonding composition for bonding the appliance to the patient's tooth structure is applied to the base before the container is closed by the manufacturer, such that the practitioner can simply remove the placement device from the chamber and immediately transfer the appliances to the patient's teeth.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler
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Patent number: 7020963Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus is made by initially placing spacer material over a replica of the patient's tooth structure. A tray is then formed over the spacer material and hardened. Next, the spacer material is removed from the tooth replica and orthodontic appliances are placed on the replica at desired locations. A matrix material is placed between the tray and the replica and allowed to harden. Optionally, the apparatus includes features for facilitating removal of the transfer apparatus after the bonding procedure has been completed, and features for applying firm, uniform pressure to the appliances during the bonding procedure. Other aspects of indirect bonding are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
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Patent number: 6988888Abstract: A device for correcting the relative position of the jaws of an orthodontic patient includes a telescoping assembly along with a coil spring. As the patient's jaws are closed, the telescoping assembly exerts a force against the spring which tends to posture the jaws in correct occlusal relationship. The coil spring provides a yieldable force that avoids the need for a rigid, hard stop as the patient's jaws are closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 6935858Abstract: An orthodontic force module is made of an elastomeric material and includes one or more eyelet segments along with one or more connector segments coupled to the eyelet segments. The configuration of the eyelet segments and the connector segments is arranged so that a substantially constant cross-sectional area is provided throughout the working length of the force module. As a result, the resistance to elongation is substantially uniform throughout the working range of the force module and premature degradation and failure due to relatively high, concentrated stresses are avoided.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: James D. Cleary
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Patent number: 6913460Abstract: An orthodontic coupling includes a first portion and a second portion that are resiliently interconnected for movement toward and away from each other. The second portion is adapted for insertion into a passage of an orthodontic appliance, and the resilient connection between the first portion and the second portion releasably secures the coupling in place. The coupling is particularly useful for connecting force modules such as Class II correctors to buccal tube appliances.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, John J. Palmer
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Publication number: 20040219471Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus is made by initially placing spacer material over a replica of the patient's tooth structure. A tray is then formed over the spacer material and hardened. Next, the spacer material is removed from the tooth replica and orthodontic appliances are placed on the replica at desired locations. A matrix material is placed between the tray and the replica and allowed to harden. Optionally, the apparatus includes features for facilitating removal of the transfer apparatus after the bonding procedure has been completed, and features for applying firm, uniform pressure to the appliances during the bonding procedure. Other aspects of indirect bonding are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
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Publication number: 20040219473Abstract: A quantity of a photocurable composition, such as an orthodontic adhesive containing a photoinitiator, is placed between the base of an orthodontic appliance and a replica of a patient's tooth structure. The replica is made using a material that transmits actinic radiation. As the appliance is pressed into firm contact with the replica tooth structure, an outer surface of the photocurable composition assumes the configuration of the underlying portion of the replica tooth structure. Actinic radiation is then directed to the photocurable composition, and at least part of the actinic radiation is directed through the replica tooth model in order to harden the photocurable composition. The hardened composition provides a contoured bonding surface having a shape that matches corresponding regions of the patient's tooth structure. Methods are also disclosed for making an orthodontic indirect bonding transfer apparatus for use with appliances having a contoured bonding surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler
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Publication number: 20040219474Abstract: A device for correcting the relative position of the jaws of an orthodontic patient includes a telescoping assembly along with a coil spring. As the patient's jaws are closed, the telescoping assembly exerts a force against the spring which tends to posture the jaws in correct occlusal relationship. The coil spring provides a yieldable force that avoids the need for a rigid, hard stop as the patient's jaws are closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: James D. Cleary
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Publication number: 20040096798Abstract: An orthodontic force module is made of an elastomeric material and includes one or more eyelet segments along with one or more connector segments coupled to the eyelet segments. The configuration of the eyelet segments and the connector segments is arranged so that a substantially constant cross-sectional area is provided throughout the working length of the force module. As a result, the resistance to elongation is substantially uniform throughout the working range of the force module and premature degradation and failure due to relatively high, concentrated stresses are avoided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: James D. Cleary
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Publication number: 20030232301Abstract: An orthodontic coupling includes a first portion and a second portion that are resiliently interconnected for movement toward and away from each other. The second portion is adapted for insertion into a passage of an orthodontic appliance, and the resilient connection between the first portion and the second portion releasably secures the coupling in place. The coupling is particularly useful for connecting force modules such as Class II correctors to buccal tube appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James D. Cleary, John J. Palmer