Dental Patents (Class 206/63.5)
  • Publication number: 20110068019
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include methods, devices, and systems that provide effective packaging items with at least one gummy surface. In particular, implementations of the present invention provide a package for items with a gummy surface that does not require a separate liner to be placed on the gummy surface. In example implementations, the package includes inadhesive polymers such that the item can be removeably adhered to a portion of the package. Moreover, example embodiments of the present invention provide packaging devices, systems, and methods that allow an item with a gummy surface to be packaged without any part of the package interfacing with the gummy surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: CAO GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Steven D. Jensen, Densen Cao
  • Patent number: 7910632
    Abstract: An assembly for use in orthodontic treatment includes at least two articles, and each article includes an orthodontic appliance as well as an adhesive that extends across the base of each appliance. The adhesive of at least one article differs from the adhesive of at least one other article in terms of composition, properties or characteristics, such that the adhesive can be tailored to enhance the bond between the particular selected appliance and its intended tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Joan V. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20110056851
    Abstract: Package (1) for an implant (2), in particular for a dental implant, comprising a housing (5) with a compartment (51) that can be closed by way of a pivotable and/or slidable cover (4) so as to be essentially liquid-tight, said compartment being intended for a first section (2?) of the implant (2), and an area (19) for a second section (3) of the implant (2), said area being separated rated from the compartment (51) by way of a housing wall (8), wherein a passage (35) connecting the compartment (51) and said area (19) is provided in the housing wall (8) for a transition section (3?) between the first section (2?) and the second section (3) of the implant (2), and wherein the housing wall (8) comprises a removal slot (9, 36) for removal of the implant when the cover (4) is open without separating the sections (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: THOMMEN MEDICAL AG
    Inventors: Falko Schlottig, Uwe Werner, Daniel Iranyi, Matthias Günthart, Nico Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20110056850
    Abstract: Package housing for an elongate object (8), including a base element (2) having a housing wall (6) defining a receptacle (4) for the object (8), wherein the receptacle (4) has a longitudinal axis (L) which runs substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the object (8) in the packed state. The base element (2) comprises a head part (10) and a holding part (12) arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) next to the head part (10), which holding part is connected to the head part (10) by a weakening zone (30) and including at least one holding portion (34), which is intended to hold the object (8) in the holding part (12). According to the invention, the weakening zone (30) is a predetermined breaking point (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Straumann Holding AG
    Inventors: Daniel GUENTER, Gideon Brunner
  • Publication number: 20110041869
    Abstract: A dental floss package includes a box-shaped body, wherein the dental floss can be housed in the form of a spool, a cutting blade and a closing body, as well as an additional body (3, 23) provided with an aperture (3c) for the fastening thereof to a display. The additional body is obtained integrally with the box-shaped body or the closing body but is detachable along a weakening line (6). The box-shaped body (1, 11, 21, 110) and the closing body (2, 12, 22, 120) are also obtained integrally and joined along a thin folding line (5), and the box-shaped body (1, 11, 21, 110) is interference-coupled with the closing body (2, 12, 22, 120) by way of a wall encircling the spool (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: PROFIMED S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Longoni, Ciro Lai, Elena Longoni
  • Publication number: 20110017622
    Abstract: Container for a medical instrument or an implant, in particular a dental instrument or a dental implant (14), the container having an outer housing part (16), and an inner housing part (18) which is movable relative to the outer housing part (16) from a closed position to an open position. The inner housing part (18) has a grip element (44) accessible from the outside. The container has a locking mechanism (22), which acts between the outer housing part (16) and the inner housing part (18), and an actuation of the grip element (44) causes an unlocking of the locking mechanism (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Straumann Holding AG
    Inventors: Daniel GUENTER, Rainer Bammerlin
  • Publication number: 20110017623
    Abstract: Container (10) for a medical instrument or an implant, in particular for a dental instrument or a dental implant (36). The container (10) has a receiving part (12) and a slide part (14) which is movable relative to the receiving part (12) from a closed position to an open position. A locking mechanism, which has a latching connection, acts between the receiving part (12) and the slide part (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Straumann Holding AG
    Inventors: Daniel GUENTER, Rainer BAMMERLIN, Guillaume BUGNARD
  • Publication number: 20100330524
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Naimul Karim, Darin J. Meyertholen, Robert M. Biegler, Kevin M. Cummings, Lance C. Gore, James R. Kvitrud, Robert W. Peterson, Daniel T. Scott
  • Patent number: 7854316
    Abstract: A dental implant package includes a main body having a partition portion that is formed therein and separates a fixture accommodation space accommodating a fixture of a dental implant from an auxiliary accommodation space accommodating any of a healing abutment and a cover screw, wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed at both ends of the main body, a leveler accommodated in at least a part of the fixture accommodation space and supporting the fixture accommodated in the fixture accommodation space at a predetermined height, a first cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the first opening, and a second cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the second opening. The fixture and any of the healing abutment and the cover screw can be stored with a simple structure. Also, the fixture and the healing abutment or the cover screw can be easily pulled out during an implant operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Megagen Implant Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Bum Park, Kyoung Ho Ryoo, Seok Kyu Choi, Hae Yong Lee
  • Publication number: 20100311027
    Abstract: A party favor comprising a photo, an oral hygiene appliance and an instruction card tied together by curling ribbon is distributed at, for example, a wedding to promote oral hygiene and social interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert T. Postal
  • Patent number: 7841464
    Abstract: A packaged assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. The assembly also includes a quantity of orthodontic adhesive material that is received on a release surface in the chamber. The appliance is detachably mounted on a support and is relatively movable when desired in order to bring a base of the appliance into contact with the adhesive material for transfer of the adhesive material to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Russell A. Jordan, Joan V. Brennan, James D. Christoff
  • Publication number: 20100276305
    Abstract: A box for hiding denture and denture related material is proposed, wherein the box includes several compartments and has an outer disguise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ronnie Marcia Haber
  • Patent number: 7819659
    Abstract: A system for organizing dental aligners for a subject includes a plurality of dental aligners configured to move the subject's teeth at different steps of an orthodontic treatment and one or more connectors (including frangible connectors) configured to connect a plurality of dental aligners in an order that is consistent with the sequence in which the dental aligners are to be used by the subject in the orthodontic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Huafeng Wen
  • Publication number: 20100243485
    Abstract: To minimize titanium materials and accurately and easily fix a dental implant fixture, a housing container includes a glass housing main body, a resin cap, and a resin implant fixture holding member, the cap includes a press part at an inner surface, the implant fixture holding member fits into the bottom side of the housing main body, the implant fixture holding member has, at an upper surface side, three or more groove parts formed radially from a center to an end side, and titanium plate-like guide parts which include, at the center side, projected portions slightly projecting from the upper surface, and include, at the radial end side, erected portions extending up to at least equal to or more than ? of a height from a tip of the dental implant fixture to erect around an outer peripheral surface of the dental implant fixture are inserted in the groove parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiko SATO, Kinya Nihei, Makoto Michiaki
  • Publication number: 20100236947
    Abstract: A housing for accommodating a dental implant is disclosed. The housing comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body has an open end and a pivot end opposite to the open end. The open end is adapted to receive the dental implant. The housing further comprises a pivot element which connects with the first body portion and the second body portion at the pivot ends thereof. The first body portion and the second body portion define an inner space and the second body portion is capable of rotating with respect to the first body portion along the pivot to expose the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: MEDIPRECISION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsin-Hsiung Liao, Mao-Sung Huang
  • Publication number: 20100200435
    Abstract: A tooth care kit, comprising a set of disposable handle attachments and a set of disposable brush attachments each arranged to interfit with a corresponding one of the set of disposable handle attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Henry BAUS
  • Patent number: 7770722
    Abstract: A dental implant package for holding a dental implant has a container having a first contact surface, and a cap having a second contact surface. The cap and the container define a cavity configured for holding the dental implant. The first and second contact surfaces are configured for holding the dental implant therebetween. The cap comprises a plug defining the second contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, Nathan J. Meyer, Thomas H. Day, Christopher M. Gervais, Fred Murillo
  • Publication number: 20100181214
    Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for storing dentures may include a receptacle having a base and a wall extending vertically upwardly from a periphery of the base to define an enclosure therewithin. The apparatus may further include a tray adapted to be removably received and carried within the enclosure of the receptacle. The tray may be capable of carrying the dentures thereon. Further, the apparatus may also include a cover hingedly carried by the receptacle and adapted to cover the tray received within the enclosure of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Vicki Brown
  • Publication number: 20100175348
    Abstract: A dental package and a method of making such dental package for holding flowable dental material. The method comprising the steps of providing a container having an opening and providing first portion of a flowable dental material in the container. Further the method comprises hardening a predetermined second portion of the flowable dental material to form a a closure that closes the opening. The invention provides for improved manufacturing and for facilitating the use of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Jon W. Fundingsland, Marc Peuker, Andreas Johannes Boehm, Timo K. Kuretzky, Kevin Dale Foust
  • Publication number: 20100154814
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a dispenser body and a sleeve carried by the dispenser body, wherein the sleeve includes a sleeve opening. A card, such as a business card, is repeatably moveable through the sleeve opening. The dispenser includes a dental floss recess for receiving dental floss. The sleeve covers the dental floss recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Paul J. Zajas
  • Publication number: 20100139688
    Abstract: Dental floss packaging and a method of using same is provided, wherein a plurality of predetermined lengths of dental floss, each sufficient for a single flossing, are disposed within individual sealed compartments in the packaging. Manual force applied to a compartment urges the floss through a cover sheet thereby dispensing the floss for use. The empty compartment provides a visual indication that a particular day's flossing has been completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Marie Musgrave
  • Patent number: 7726470
    Abstract: A packaged orthodontic assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. A quantity of a first orthodontic adhesive material is applied by the manufacturer to the base of the orthodontic appliance. A second orthodontic adhesive material is also received in the chamber in initially spaced relationship to the first orthodontic adhesive material. The practitioner can elect to bring the first orthodontic adhesive material into contact with the second orthodontic adhesive material when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Joan V. Brennan, James D. Christoff
  • Patent number: 7694812
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an external container (1) for an implant carrier (20), comprising a cylindrical body portion (10) and a lid (50) closing the cylindrical body portion (10), the lid (50) being provided with a truncated cone-like element (74) which protrudes into the cylindrical body portion (10) and has on its surface at least one annular means (73) for fixing an implant carrier (20) into place which is adapted such as to fix the implant carrier (20) releasably into place in a stable position in the center of the interior of the cylindrical body portion (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Straumann Holding AG Peter
    Inventors: Rainer Bammerlin, Daniel Gunter
  • Publication number: 20100065443
    Abstract: A dental implant package includes a main body having a partition portion that is formed therein and separates a fixture accommodation space accommodating a fixture of a dental implant from an auxiliary accommodation space accommodating any of a healing abutment and a cover screw, wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed at both ends of the main body, a leveler accommodated in at least a part of the fixture accommodation space and supporting the fixture accommodated in the fixture accommodation space at a predetermined height, a first cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the first opening, and a second cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the second opening. The fixture and any of the healing abutment and the cover screw can be stored with a simple structure. Also, the fixture and the healing abutment or the cover screw can be easily pulled out during an implant operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: MEGAGEN IMPLANT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Bum Park, Kyoung Ho Ryoo, Seok Kyu Choi, Hae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 7673746
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for the collection and temporary storage of amalgams and other mercury wastes. The container can include a hollow body with air-tight lid, and one or more mercury sorbents contained in a filter bag. The filter bag covers the inside surface of the hollow body and has holes that allow air exchange between the air in the hollow body and the sorbents. As air exchange occurs, mercury vapors released from dental wastes binds to the mercury binding materials. A self-closing door was made on the lid, which automatically closes after each waste disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Mark E. Stone, Ronald S. Karaway, Denise L. Berry
  • Patent number: 7665600
    Abstract: A dental floss package for containing and dispensing a length of floss therefrom, the package including a dispensing envelope formed of thin paper-type material that includes two flat side walls folded over one another in overlapping relation to lie closely adjacent one another, a flap portion joined to one of the side walls and folded over the other side wall, and a cutter element is mounted on the dispensing package. A multi-use supply of dental floss is contained within the dispensing envelope, and has one exposed end thereof passing out through an exit opening in the dispensing envelope. An outer sleeve may be provided over the dispensing envelope, and the floss may be contained in a plastic pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Practicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley P. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20100025274
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a package for a medical device containing a cavity for receiving the medical device, a first closure having a sealed portal therein and a second closure adjacent the first closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Joshua B. Stopek, David Kirsch
  • Patent number: 7648360
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing dental appliances, particularly orthodontic appliances, to a patient wherein the patient is easily able to determine the order or sequence in which the appliances should be worn. Typically the appliances are to be worn in a particular sequence to provide desired treatment, such as a progressive movement of teeth through a variety of arrangements to a final desired arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090288972
    Abstract: An accessory for a flexible toothbrush that is “prison-safe” and also lightweight and compact and therefore ideal for travel is disclosed. More particularly, the invention comprises a toothbrush cover that is made from flexible material having elastic properties so that the cover can deform and fit around the toothbrush, then subsequently return to its original shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Steven L. Kayser
  • Publication number: 20090260997
    Abstract: A package for containing a preset quantity of a dry powder material is marked on its exterior with instructions for opening the package for transfer of its contents to a mixing container and cutting instructions, which may be the same, such that when the cutting instructions are followed a measuring container is created which has an internal volume preset to hold no more than the required quantity of liquid to be mixed with the dry powder material to create a wet mixture with desired handling properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Rovelli
  • Patent number: 7597245
    Abstract: The invention is a shipping box and an internal holding device designed to transport a dental impression without damage or distortion by suspending the impression by it's handle inside the box so that it does not touch the interior walls of the box. The box, constructed of fiberboard or plastic is divided into a receptacle, where the internal holding device secures the handle of the impression, and a suspension area, where the body of the impression is suspended in mid-air. The interior holding device is comprised of two blocks into which the handle of the impression will imprint, securing the impression and preventing it from moving about during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David Allen Tillery
  • Publication number: 20090236241
    Abstract: An oral care implement demonstration assembly includes a powered oral care implement, a package housing and a plurality of demonstration elements. The oral care implement demonstration assembly is configured to produce a visual demonstration effect when relative movement is provided between a first demonstration element and a second demonstration element. Among the visual effects that may be utilized is a Moiré effect. Additionally, an associated method for demonstrating features of an oral care implement though one or more visual effects is described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Alberto Mantilla, Tony Baxter, Pablo Andres Ramirez Lozano, Marisol Rodriguez Perez
  • Publication number: 20090215003
    Abstract: A method for providing orthodontic therapy. The method includes the steps of providing a kit that includes an enclosure and tools and components for providing orthodontic therapy using braces to a single patient, applying the braces to the single patient's teeth using the tools, placing the tools back into the kit, storing the kit, and reusing the kit at all of the single patient's subsequent visits during the term of the orthodontic therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan B. Swain, Merrit N. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20090209031
    Abstract: A package for a medical device, the package capable of sustaining viable cells, wherein the package includes a first container, which is configured to receive a medical device and to sustain at least one viable cell, and a fluid port in communication with the first container for allowing sterile passage of an agent to the medical device and for maintaining cell viability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Joshua B. Stopek
  • Patent number: 7568579
    Abstract: A pre-packaged dental treatment system including a dental treatment device having a barrier layer configured for placement over at least a portion of a person's teeth, a dental treatment composition (e.g., a bleaching composition) disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, and a sealed packaging container within which the dental treatment device is disposed. At least a portion of the packaging container includes a laminated polymer material that is substantially impervious to water molecules, which prevents the dental treatment composition from drying out. The laminated polymer material is optionally also a barrier to oxygen molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Eric Moore
  • Publication number: 20090188815
    Abstract: A transfer dish for dental materials has a bottom surface, a top surface and a front surface. The top surface is designed with troughs for receiving pre-dosed amounts of dental material for application which have, in the front area, a plane ramp sloping toward a rear area, and, in the rear area, the troughs have a concave wall adjacent to a transition area. The transition area is designed as an osculating curve of the concave wall with respect to the plane ramp, and the trough, in a top view, has the contour of a U which is open toward a front area of the transfer dish. The ramp tapers in width toward the front area of the transfer dish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Ernst Muhlbauer Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marcus Oliver Ahlers
  • Publication number: 20090123217
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus for portable use are described. In each embodiment an apparatus for use in on-the-go dental cleansing is described. In one series of embodiments, disposable dental cleaning devices are described. In another series of embodiments, reusable and refillable dental cleaning devices are described. Packaging of various types is also disclosed for use in housing the dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Karen L. Ross
  • Patent number: 7527147
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for organizing and loading orthodontic appliances, for example orthodontic brackets, onto set-up trays. The system includes an organizer tray which holds a set-up tray in a fixed orientation, and also holds a plurality of packages of orthodontic brackets in predetermined relationships to bracket staging areas on the set-up tray. Bracket packages and the organizer tray are configured so that the brackets are presented in the same orientation, when in their packages held by the organizer tray, as they will have when transferred to the set-up tray. As a result, the brackets can be loaded onto the set-up tray from the packages without re-orientation. The organizer tray has a storage base that holds supplies of packages of the different brackets of a given set so that the organizer tray can be reloaded with packages. Preferred organizer tray and package configurations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Corcoran, John Payne
  • Publication number: 20090084690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-dose package for liquid, pasty or semi-solid materials, with a fluid container of at least one lower and at least one upper partial container, whereby, after filling, the at least one lower partial container is provided to be connected at a common seam to the at least one upper partial container such that the upper partial container sits on top of the lower partial container at the seam, and the upper partial container carries a removal spout, on which a circumferential splash protection neck is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: HERAEUS KULZER GmbH
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN BRESSLER, MARCUS HOFFMAN
  • Publication number: 20090065376
    Abstract: A medical implant package including a vial and a cap connected by a hinge. The vial includes a cavity for housing at least a portion of a dental implant. To access the implant, the cap is rotated about the hinge from a closed position to an open position. The cap defines a second cavity, separate from the vial cavity, sized to contain a healing screw. In one embodiment, the cap includes two portions connected by a living hinge which define the second cavity. The two cap portions, when moved relative to each other via the living hinge, permit access to the healing screw. In an alternative embodiment, the cap includes two retention members sized and configured to grip the healing screw. To remove the healing screw from the cap, the two retention members are displaced apart from each other by engaging them with a wedge extending from the vial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, Nathan J. Meyer, Thomas H. Day, Christopher M. Gervais, Fred Murillo
  • Patent number: 7490723
    Abstract: A glass ampoule for packaging and containing solid matter under sterile conditions, the glass ampoule comprising an integral glass body having a breaking section, the breaking section being breakable to define an opening large enough to easily remove the matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ricardo Levisman
  • Publication number: 20090035724
    Abstract: An apparatus (7) for localised application of a substance to a site within the oral cavity has a reservoir (9) for receipt of the substance to be applied, and a mounting arrangement (11) a for mounting the apparatus within the oral cavity. The mounting arrangement (11) is configured to place the reservoir (9) in contact with the site to which the substance is to be applied to substantially form a seal between the reservoir and the site to which the substance is to be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew Noel Quick, Dorothy Helen Boyd
  • Publication number: 20090020440
    Abstract: The invention provides a container enclosing an applicator and a dental composition including a volatile organic solvent. The container is sealed. The volatile organic solvent is effectively retained within the container, even after storage at about 43° C. for one week. Preferably the container is made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Paul R. Pierson, Paul D. Hammesfahr
  • Publication number: 20090008271
    Abstract: An array of oral care packages is disclosed. The array includes a first group of display packages and a second group of display packages. Each display package of the first group is for a distinct oral care product, and each of the display packages of the first group have a first package characteristic and a logo. Each of the display packages of the second group include the logo and a second package characteristic distinct from the first package characteristic, and the display packages of the second group do not include the first package characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Zimmer, Amy Schroeder Kelly
  • Patent number: 7472789
    Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a set of three-dimensional dentition models includes (a) providing a container having an outer shell containing a shock-absorbing core, wherein the core defines a plurality of compartments each configured to hold one model in the set of three-dimensional dentition models; (b) loading each of the dentition models into its respective compartment; (c) transporting the container to a processing site; and (d) processing the dentition models while they are in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Srinivas Kaza, Subir Basu
  • Patent number: 7469783
    Abstract: This invention is in a package and method of packaging ready mountable or prepasted bondable dental appliances, and particularly orthodontic brackets, wherein the appliances include a body and a base, and a layer of uncured polymer resin is applied to the base. The package includes a carrier for the bondable appliances for single or multiple appliances and enclosed in a hermetically sealed bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: TP Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo P. Rose, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7458464
    Abstract: This invention comprises a kit of materials necessary for a patient to clean and maintain a dental appliance made of plastic resin. More specifically, the kit contains a special brush, a polishing paste, a gel for use under the appliance when worn, an oral care rinse to use with the appliance, a powdered material that is dissolved in water that becomes a solution that cleans and disinfects the appliance, and a plurality of protective cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: V. Kim Kutsch, Robert J. Bowers, Jesse L. Droesch, Steven R. Folin
  • Publication number: 20080283422
    Abstract: A dental case useful for storing a dental guard. The case includes a base having a floor surrounded by an upstanding sidewall; a lid configured to fittingly overlie the base; and a tray suspended from the lid and configured to supportably receive the dental guard and suspend the dental guard above the floor of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: John M. Jansheski
  • Publication number: 20080286710
    Abstract: A packaged orthodontic assembly includes a container with a chamber and an orthodontic appliance received in the chamber. A quantity of a first orthodontic adhesive material is applied by the manufacturer to the base of the orthodontic appliance. A second orthodontic adhesive material is also received in the chamber in initially spaced relationship to the first orthodontic adhesive material. The practitioner can elect to bring the first orthodontic adhesive material into contact with the second orthodontic adhesive material when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, JR., Joan V. Brennan, James D. Christoff
  • Patent number: 7451870
    Abstract: A medical implant package including a vial and a cap connected by a hinge. The vial includes a cavity for housing at least a portion of a dental implant. To access the implant, the cap is rotated about the hinge from a closed position to an open position. The cap defines a second cavity, separate from the vial cavity, sized to contain a healing screw. In one embodiment, the cap includes two portions connected by a living hinge which define the second cavity. The two cap portions, when moved relative to each other via the living hinge, permit access to the healing screw. In an alternative embodiment, the cap includes two retention members sized and configured to grip the healing screw. To remove the healing screw from the cap, the two retention members are displaced apart from each other by engaging them with a wedge extending from the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, Nathan J. Meyer, Thomas H. Day, Christopher M. Gervais, Fred Murillo