Patents by Inventor John E. Sanker

John E. Sanker 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).

  • Method and apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
    Patent number: 7410357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
  • Method and apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
    Patent number: 7404714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
  • Method and apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
    Patent number: 7020963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker
  • Method and apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic appliances
    Publication number: 20040219471
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: James D. Cleary, David K. Cinader, Oliver L. Puttler, John E. Sanker