Patents by Inventor Rudger Rubbert
Rudger Rubbert 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: 7585172Abstract: An interactive, software-based treatment planning method to correct a malocclusion is described. The method can be performed on an orthodontic workstation in a clinic or at a remote location such as a lab or precision appliance manufacturing center. The workstation stores a virtual three-dimensional model of the dentition of a patient and patient records. The virtual model is manipulated by the user to define a target situation for the patient, including a target archform and individual tooth positions in the archform. Parameters for an orthodontic appliance, such as the location of orthodontic brackets and resulting shape of an orthodontic archwire, are obtained from the simulation of tooth movement to the target situation and the placement position of virtual brackets. The treatment planning can also be executed remotely by a precision appliance service center having access to the virtual model of the dentition.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva, Hans Imgrund, Peer Sporbert, Mario Leichner, Jens Troeger, Dimitrij Kouzian, Stephan Maetzel
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Publication number: 20090199609Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20090197217Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Patent number: 7471821Abstract: Method and apparatus for registering an object of known predetermined geometry to scanned three dimensional data such that the object's location may be verified. Such a known object may comprise a less than ideal three-dimensional (3-D) digital object such as a tooth, a dental appliance (e.g., as a tooth bracket model) or other like object, including portions thereof. Knowledge of such an object's location is generally helpful in planning orthodontic treatment, particularly where the location of the object needs to be determined or confirmed or where incomplete or poor scan data is obtained. Aspects of the present invention provide methods of effectively verifying dental appliance location and displaying appliance locations using a computer and three-dimensional models of teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Rüdger Rubbert, Hans Imgrund, Peer Sporbert, Stephan Maetzel, Thomas Weise
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Patent number: 7458812Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Dimitij Kouzian, Stephan Maetzel, Rohit Sachdeva, Rüdger Rubbert
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Patent number: 7442041Abstract: A method for monitoring tooth wear and a method for monitoring tooth wear and gingival recession and erosion by comparing three-dimensional virtual models at different times are described, as well as occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occluded condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Hans Imgrund, Rüdger Rubbert, Dimitrij Kouzian, Peer Sporbert, Stephan Maetzel, Rohit Sachdeva
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Patent number: 7422430Abstract: A method and apparatus for arch wire receptacle (e.g., brackets, bands, headgear tubes, etc.) optimization includes processing that begins by obtaining a digital model of an orthodontic structure of an orthodontic patient. The processing then continues by retrieving a digital model of an initial arch wire receptacle that was selected from a plurality of digital models of arch wire receptacles. The processing then continues by digitally placing the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle on a given tooth of the digital model of the orthodontic structure to provide a digital arch wire receptacle placement. The process then proceeds by retrieving a digital model of an arch wire. For the given tooth, the processing continues by digitally modeling a force system on the tooth based on the digital model of the initial arch wire receptacle, the digital arch wire receptacle placement, and the digital model of the arch wire.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix Inc.Inventors: Rohit Sachdeva, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Friedrich Riemeier
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Publication number: 20080154644Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot arm. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20080153053Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Patent number: 7379584Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing a virtual three-dimensional model of an object using a data processing system, and at least one machine-readable memory accessible to said data processing system. A set of at least two digital three-dimensional frames of portions of the object are obtained from a source, such as a computing system coupled to an optical or laser scanner, CT scanner, Magnetic Resonance Tomography scanner or other source. The at least two frames comprise a set of point coordinates in a three dimensional coordinate system providing differing information of the surface of the object. The frames provide a substantial overlap of the represented portions of the surface of the object, but do not coincide exactly for example due to movement of the scanning device relative to the object between the generation of the frame. Data representing the set of frames are stored in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Dimitrij Kouzian
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Patent number: 7361017Abstract: An orthodontic workstation stores a library of virtual three-dimensional brackets in a memory. Each of the virtual brackets has a unique three-dimensional configuration and prescription. Typically, the library of bracket comprises a library of commercially available, off-the-shelf brackets. The workstation further includes an interactive treatment planning program that permits a user to move teeth from a virtual model of the dentition to a proposed set-up. In one possible embodiment, the treatment planning program provides the ability to display a virtual bracket placed on a virtual tooth and change the prescription or configuration of the virtual bracket. The treatment program automatically compares the modified prescription with the prescription information of the virtual brackets in the library and selects a bracket from the library that most closely matches the virtual bracket displayed on the tooth. Thus, the user does not have to use customized brackets.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Rohit Sachdeva, Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise
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Patent number: 7305110Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner is also described. The illustrated embodiment is in-vivo scanning of human teeth for purposes of orthodontic treatment planning and diagnosis.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Hans-Florian Geerdes, Lutz Pfeil, Peter See
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Patent number: 7283891Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Werner Butscher, Friedrich Riemeier, Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20070081718Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing a virtual three-dimensional model of an object using a data processing system, and at least one machine-readable memory accessible to said data processing system. A set of at least two digital three-dimensional frames of portions of the object are obtained from a source, such as a computing system coupled to an optical or laser scanner, CT scanner, Magnetic Resonance Tomography scanner or other source. The at least two frames comprise a set of point coordinates in a three dimensional coordinate system providing differing information of the surface of the object. The frames provide a substantial overlap of the represented portions of the surface of the object, but do not coincide exactly for example due to movement of the scanning device relative to the object between the generation of the frame. Data representing the set of frames are stored in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: April 12, 2007Inventors: Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Dimitrij Kouzian
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Patent number: 7197179Abstract: A method and system are provided for constructing a virtual three-dimensional model of an object using a data processing system, and at least one machine-readable memory accessible to said data processing system. A set of at least two digital three-dimensional frames of portions of the object are obtained from a source, such as a computing system coupled to an optical or laser scanner, CT scanner, Magnetic Resonance Tomography scanner or other source. The at least two frames comprise a set of point coordinates in a three dimensional coordinate system providing differing information of the surface of the object. The frames provide a substantial overlap of the represented portions of the surface of the object, but do not coincide exactly for example due to movement of the scanning device relative to the object between the generation of the frame. Data representing the set of frames are stored in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Rüdger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Dimitrij Kouzian
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Patent number: 7172417Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Dimitij Kouzian, Stephan Maetzel, Rohit Sachdeva, Rüdger Rubbert
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Publication number: 20070015104Abstract: A customized orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system can include a bracket having a customized bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to a tooth of a patient and a bracket slot adapted to receive a customized archwire. The customized archwire is adapted to be positioned in the bracket slot to form a precise bracket slot-archwire interface. The bracket slot and the archwire when positioned in the bracket slot can be positioned substantially adjacent the tooth surface to reduce induced vertical error in tooth positioning. The bracket slot can be configured to have a bracket slot width substantially matching a cross-section of the archwire to reduce torque rotation around an axis of the archwire when positioned therein to further enhance end-of-treatment tooth positioning and reduce overall treatment time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Inventors: Dirk Wiechmann, Ralf Paehl, Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise
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Patent number: 7160110Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Hans Imgrund, Rüdger Rubbert, Dimitij Kouzian, Peer Sporbert, Stephan Maetzel, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20060281041Abstract: A method is described for taking a three-dimensional virtual model of the dentition and associated anatomical structures of a patient and isolating individual teeth from the rest of the anatomical structure, e.g. gums, to thereby produce individual, virtual three-dimensional tooth objects. The individual tooth objects can be displayed on the display of an orthodontic workstation and moved independently from each other, and thereby form the basis of planning treatment for the patient. The individual, virtual three-dimensional tooth objects are created by comparing the virtual model of the dentition to virtual, three-dimensional template teeth that are stored in memory in a process described in detail herein. The template teeth can include roots as well as crowns. The template teeth can be stored objects acquired from some external source or alternatively developed from a database of patient scans. Virtual three-dimensional brackets are also stored in the memory of the workstation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Inventors: Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Mario Leichner, Rohit Sachdeva
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Publication number: 20060228010Abstract: A scanning system includes a hand-held scanning device that generates two-dimensional images of a pattern reflected off an object. The system also includes a memory and processing unit. The memory stores a calibration table for the scanner and received scanned bitmap images. The processing unit generates three-dimensional information as to a scanned object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. For example, the scanner is simply swept over the surface of the object by hand. Three-dimensional information of the object is obtained from the captured images using a calibration table for the scanner. A method of calibration of the scanner in X, Y and Z directions is also described. The scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including medical and industrial purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: Rudger Rubbert, Thomas Weise, Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Hans-Florian Geerdes, Lutz Pfeil, Peter See
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Patent number: 4982122Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for preventing electrical shorts between sets of stator coil headers and accompanying connections is disclosed in which a reinforced, non-conducting cover is fitted over a pair of stator coil headers, or a stator coil header and an adjacent phase connector. Thereafter, the cavity formed by the fitted cover can be filled with an insulating, solidifying or polymerizing material or resin. Use of such an apparatus insulates the entire header apparatus and prevents any accidental shorting between sets of stator coil ends.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Charles M. Rowe, Hector O. Ponce, Leonard B. Simmonds, Emil M. Fort