Dental Patents (Class 206/63.5)
  • Patent number: 6695901
    Abstract: I provide a multi-part aqueous gypsum dental casting composition having gypsum and water and wherein (a) one or more of a first compound is mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (b) one or more of the first compound and one or more of a second compound are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (c) one or more of the first compound and one or more of an acid are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (d) one or more of the first compound and one or more of the second compound and one or more of the acid are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (e) two or more of the acids and optionally one or more of the second compound are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; and (f) the gypsum and water are maintained separately and mixed when the casting is to be prepared. Also provided are the dosage sized containers for the above, along with the dosage size containers having gypsum enhancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Diesso
  • Patent number: 6693537
    Abstract: A personal item storage tray which includes a storage surface that incorporates a personal item identification, placement, retention, storage and removal apparatus or structure. One embodiment includes a substantially planar arrangement of depressions or recessed compartments designed to receive specific personal items such as, for example, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. The compartments may be uniquely designed, shaped and marked to signal the uses of the compartment and to distinguish each compartment from the other to aid in visual identification and discrimination between the uses of each recessed compartment. The presence of items in the compartments is used to signal to the users of the tray that items are accounted for and not missing. The bottom surface of the tray includes a non-skid surface to avoid accidental or undesirable lateral movement. The tray is designed with a moldable or shapeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ruth Frank
  • Publication number: 20040020796
    Abstract: A dental material container comprising a body including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a first wall member. A dispensing member is provided separated from the second chamber by a second wall member. Also provided is a means for applying pressure to dental material contained within the first chamber. Actuation of the means for applying pressure causes dental material within the first chamber to be expelled through the first wall member and mix with dental material in the second chamber. Further actuation of the means for applying pressure causes the mixed dental material to be expelled through the second wall member to the dispensing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffery James Cheetham, Joshua James Cheetham, Craig Wesley Hoenderop
  • Patent number: 6681925
    Abstract: An open-ended container for holding dental instruments includes a body and a lid. The lid is configured to close the container when the lid is placed over the open end of the container. The lid is also configured for stabilizing the container in an upright position when the lid is placed over the bottom of the container. The lid is flared and generally provides greater support to the container for standing upright than does the bottom of the container. A piece of tape is used to seal and reseal the lid on the container. A foam material (e.g., open cell foam) housed within the container is used to hold dental instruments. A disinfecting solution contained within the container disinfects any dental instruments held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 6673958
    Abstract: Novel unsaturated esters for use in dentistry as bonding agents are produced by a stepwise reaction of a cyclic dianhydride with a) unsaturated alcohols, b) unsaturated glycidyl ethers, and c) unsaturated isocyanates. The products used as bonding agents have the formula: wherein R2 is H or CH3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Amer Tiba, Martin Hamer, Byoung I. Suh
  • Patent number: 6660400
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis blank and a combined dental prosthesis blank and blank holder. The dental prosthesis blank provides for forming a dental prosthesis therefrom and the blank holder holds the blank during the forming of the prosthesis. The blank comprises a first free end for forming the dental prosthesis therefrom and a positioning end for positioning the blank in the blank holder. The positioning end includes a cylindrical cone, i.e. extension, having a pair of reference surfaces defined by a slot extending along the axis of the cylindrical extension. The blank holder includes a reference element such as a bar that fits within the space between the reference surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hint-Elc CmbH
    Inventor: Josef Hintersehr
  • Publication number: 20030221977
    Abstract: A vial for housing a dental implant and having an active retention mechanism that is moveable to one of two positions. In a first position, the retention mechanism firmly holds the implant during transportation or other periods of non-use. In a second position, the retention mechanism releases the implant so it can be removed from the vial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Ajay Kumar, Ines Aravena, Jeff Bassett, Mathew Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20030198913
    Abstract: Articles including an orthodontic bracket having a base for bonding the bracket to a tooth are disclosed. A first part of an at least two-part adhesive is on the base of the bracket and a release substrate is in contact with the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Joan V. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20030196914
    Abstract: Containers for photocurable materials are made of a polymer and metallic particles. The containers are particularly useful for storing materials having dyes that are highly sensitive to light. The containers are especially useful for storing dental materials such as orthodontic adhesives, including adhesives in syringes and cartridges as well as adhesives that are precoated onto the base of an orthodontic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tsi-Zong Tzou, Joan V. Brennan
  • Publication number: 20030198914
    Abstract: Orthodontic adhesives and packaged articles including an orthodontic appliance having a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth are disclosed. In the packaged articles, an adhesive is on the base of the appliance, and a container at least partially surrounds the orthodontic appliance having adhesive on the base thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joan V. Brennan, Sumita B. Mitra, Mark S. Schaberg, Robert D. Kuehn, Joel D. Oxman, Darrell S. James, Sharon M. Rozzi, David K. Cinader
  • Publication number: 20030168358
    Abstract: A package for individual doses of a liquid, semi-solid, or pasty material, in the form of a card, which can be folded and converted to a container that can stand on its own.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Christian Bressler, Markus Balkenhol
  • Publication number: 20030168357
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-moistened wet wipe comprising of one of the following: mouthwash; toothpaste; or breath freshener, in a single packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Annie Lois Campbell, Will Leonard Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030146117
    Abstract: A device for storing and applying material, especially dental material, comprises a first zone comprising a first and a second film that define at least one first chamber that receives a first substance, and a pouch separated from the chamber for withdrawing the first substance. The separation between the pouch and the first chamber is provided with a through opening that can be selectively opened. The device further comprises a second zone with a second chamber that is not linked with the first section by way of a through opening that can be selectively opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Gioacchino Raia, Reinhold Nowak, Marc Peuker
  • Patent number: 6595352
    Abstract: A container for filling a predetermined quantity of filling product, in particular pasty tooth filler masses, has a cylindrical base body with two oppositely lying hollow spaces and a connection piece lying therebetween. The hollow spaces are closable with snap lids so that hygiene and where appropriate sterility of the filling product are guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Coltene AG
    Inventor: Richard Bleuer
  • Publication number: 20030116449
    Abstract: A container (10) to receive products such as an air freshener, disinfectant or deodoriser, or alternatively tape twine or dental floss. The container (10) has a hollow body (13) attached to a suction cup (25) by means of a hollow stem of the body (11) and a projection (26) of cup (25). When the cup (25) is attached to a supporting surface the skirt (18) of the body (13) terminates adjacent the supporting surface and/or cup (25) to inhibit tilting of the body (13). The body (13) cooperates with a wall (29) of the cup (25) to enclose a space within which the product is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Keith James Hensel
  • Publication number: 20030111361
    Abstract: An open-ended container for holding dental instruments includes a body and a lid. The lid is configured to close the container when the lid is placed over the open end of the container. The lid is also configured for stabilizing the container in an upright position when the lid is placed over the bottom of the container. The lid is flared and generally provides greater support to the container for standing upright than does the bottom of the container. A piece of tape is used to seal and reseal the lid on the container. A foam material (e.g., open cell foam) housed within the container is used to hold dental instruments. A disinfecting solution contained within the container disinfects any dental instruments held therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 6575750
    Abstract: Among other things, a dental embedding material is proposed, containing: 10-30 wt.-% polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate 40-55 wt.-% polymethyl methacrylate 5-15 wt.-% highly disperse silicon dioxide <1 wt.-% photoinitiators, stabilizers, 10-30 wt.-% of at least one compound from the group: urethane dimethacrylate, bis-GMA, ethoxylated bis-GMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Albert Erdrich, Frank Stange, Novica Savic, Bettina Korthaus
  • Publication number: 20030098249
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system is provided which includes a decorative, compact, portable storage case comprising all the components of the oral hygiene system; it includes a hinged top with a mirror located on the interior surface of the hinged top, along with several brackets that will securely hold all items contained in the storage case. Items to be stored would be geared towards “braces-wearers” and would include (but not be limited to): a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, dental floss threader, rubber bands, smile wax, bracket brush and toothpicks made to sufficient size to be contained and stored within the small portable case. This storage case also has an outer casing, made of the same material, with a clip on device attached to it in order to provide more convenient use by wearing clipped onto a belt, purse, pocket, or wherever one desires to place it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Debra Anita Rollock
  • Patent number: 6561804
    Abstract: A receptacle for a filling material is disclosed, which is provided with a plunger which consists, at least in part, of a deformable material on a portion of the plunger which faces the nozzle. In one embodiment, the plunger disclosed can be a double plunger (a two-part plunger) displaceable axially into a defined end position in the direction of the nozzle, the deformable portion of which penetrates into the outlet channel of the nozzle, forcing out the dental filling material located there. It is preferred that the volume of deformable material of the nozzle penetrating into the nozzle is no greater than the volume of the nozzle through which the filling material passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Adam Both, Ulrich Kläres, Ralf Luckau
  • Patent number: 6543611
    Abstract: A mixer capsule, especially for the production of dental materials, comprising a cartridge (10) that is closed on one end by a piston (12). The piston has a hemispherical recess (12) that forms a chamber and is closed off from the main chamber (18) of the cartridge (10) by means of a separating device (16). A body (20) that is provided in the initial state in the main chamber (18) is used to facilitate the mixing process and to penetrate the separating device (16) at the beginning of the process, whereby the main chamber (18) and the subsidiary chamber (17) form a single mixing area. At the end of the output process, the body (20) enters the hemispherical subsidiary chamber (17) and acts as a displacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Angela Stenger, Martin Hartung, Gabriele Hager
  • Publication number: 20030038040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, especially for storing and dispensing dental materials. The inventive device comprises a container comprising a first and a second film which form at least one first chamber for receiving a first substance and a recess that is separated from the chamber and serves for removing the first substance. The separation area between the recess and the first chamber is provided with a passage area that can be opened in a selective manner. The first chamber contains at least one additional container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Mathias Bertl, Marc Peuker, Gabriele Hager
  • Publication number: 20030025023
    Abstract: A dispenser for suture, including a suture reel on which the suture is mounted and an indicator that the suture is soon to be depleted. The indicator can be a visual marking on the suture, or it can be an audible and/or vibratory effect obtained by the dispenser housing interacting with the suture through one or more view ports or by interaction of a follower cam with the reel structure as the suture becomes depleted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: David Rosenfeld
  • Publication number: 20020195363
    Abstract: The invention provides a package for a prepasted orthodontic bracket that includes a cover having a hollow projection thereon and a lateral flange extending from and surrounding an open end of the projection, and a base having a flat upper surface. An orthodontic bracket having a layer of light-curable paste thereon is placed with the paste layer in contact with a flat upper surface of the base. The bracket is surrounded by and spaced from the cover. Each of the cover and base are opaque to visible light and actinic radiation. The cover, or both cover and base, comprise a bilayered plastic structure including a first plastic layer containing particles of an opaque filler in an amount effective to render the first layer opaque to visible light, and a second plastic layer containing an effective amount of an actinic blocking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Lee H. Tuneberg
  • Patent number: 6467612
    Abstract: A dispenser for suture, including a suture reel on which the suture is mounted and an indicator that the suture is soon to be depleted. The indicator can be a visual marking on the suture, or it can be an audible and/or vibratory effect obtained by the dispenser housing interacting with the suture through one or more view ports or by interaction of a follower cam with the reel structure as the suture becomes depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: David Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6464103
    Abstract: A dental wiper provides a package having a front panel, a rear panel and a circumferential side panel joining the front and rear panels as an integral unit defining an interior space. The front panel provides an open slot extending substantially across the package. The open slot has a central access portion with clearance for finger tip entry into the interior space of the package. A plurality of dental sheets are arranged in a stack within the package. The dental sheets each have a width approximately equal to the slot width where the dental sheets position one edge of the sheets, adjacent to the access portion of the slot for being manually engaged for withdrawal. The sheets are useful for cleaning the surfaces of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Deborah K. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6450717
    Abstract: An applicator kit, for dental purposes. has an application element with a grip area for handling, and also has a shaft, on a tip of which is disposed an application member, preferably in the form of a micro-brush that is provided with a reaction substance. A cup shaped sealing mechanism surrounds the shaft and the application member. The cup shaped sealing mechanism is slidably received within a housing which also receives a low velocity fluid initially spaced away from the cup-shaped sealing mechanism. The reaction substance on the application member is activated by pressing the sealing mechanism and application member into the fluid within the housing which causes the fluid to wet the application member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG.
    Inventors: Ulrich Salz, Andre Rumphorst, Alexandros Gianasmidis, Frank Muller, Volker Rheinberger
  • Patent number: 6450328
    Abstract: A storage and multi-positional display apparatus, particularly suited to dental equipment and materials, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover having individual rigid segments which are hinged together, with a storage tray secured to one of the segments. The apparatus can be transformed from a storage position wherein the segments are folded to form an enclosure surrounding the tray and protecting its contents, into one of many angled display positions wherein the tray is exposed. The angled positions mount the tray at an angular orientation best suited to the particular user performing a particular dental procedure, while the cover and tray provide for aseptic conditions and minimized cross-contamination of the dental equipment and material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Machacek, John R. Howard, Rich Nagel
  • Publication number: 20020124773
    Abstract: I provide a multi-part aqueous gypsum dental casting composition having gypsum and water and wherein (a) one or more of a first compound is mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (b) one or more of the first compound and one or more of a second compound are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (c) one or more of the first compound and one or more of an acid are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (d) one or more of the first compound and one or more of the second compound and one or more of the acid are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; or (e) two or more of the acids and optionally one or more of the second compound are mixed in the gypsum and/or water; and (f) the gypsum and water are maintained separately and mixed when the casting is to be prepared. Also provided are the dosage sized containers for the above, along with the dosage size containers having gypsum enhancers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Diesso
  • Patent number: 6439380
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a dental amalgam capsule includes a body, a cap, a dental amalgam alloy, and mercury. In further detail, the body has a hollow interior with an open first end which includes an opening surrounded by an end wall. The cap has a hollow interior with an open first end and an interior surface. The interior surface includes an annular recess disposed about a longitudinal axis of the cap, with the annular recess including a sealing surface angled at less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The sealing surface is capable of contacting at least a portion of the end wall, thereby forming a seal with the end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Welsh
  • Publication number: 20020112971
    Abstract: The invention provides a storage stable dental composition comprising a volatile organic solvent and a polymerizable material enclosed by a package,which includes a cover and a container made of a polymer such as a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention is provided a stored packaged dental product by the process including: enclosing a dental composition in a package with at least a substantial portion of an injection molded polymer such as a thermoplastic copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, and storing the dental composition in the package for at least 1 week.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Pieroni, Paul R. Pierson, Alain Dumais
  • Patent number: 6431350
    Abstract: The invention provides a storage stable dental composition having a volatile organic solvent and a polymerizable material enclosed by a package, which includes a cover and a container made of a polymer such as a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention is provided a stored packaged dental product by the process including: enclosing a dental composition in a package with at least a substantial portion of an injection molded polymer such as a thermoplastic copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, and storing the dental composition in the package for a least 1 week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Pieroni, Paul R. Pierson, Alain Damai&sacute;
  • Patent number: 6428318
    Abstract: Dental implant and operative method of implantation, being of the type of implant comprising a body that is threaded into the jawbone via which the appropriate securing and fastening bodies for the dental prosthesis are located, the implant body (1) displaying an axial cavity (2) along its entire length, and whose internal base for implantation displays certain drilled holes and/or angular cuts (3) in its lateral surface that define end tabs, the implants being presented individually in their respective sterilized receptacles (5), being joined to the cap body (6) of the receptacle (5) via an intermediate body (7), the cap body (6) defining a cavity (11) with respect to its external base, in which is housed a body (12) made of rubber or similar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Alberto Arruga Artal
  • Patent number: 6417761
    Abstract: A portable case for storing an orthodontic retainer. The case includes a movable cover that provides access to the interior of the case. A switch mounted within the case actuates a timer circuit when the retainer is disposed within the case and the cover of the case is closed. After the retainer is placed within the container and the cover is closed, the timer begins counting. When a preset period of time has elapsed, the timer actuates an audible signal generator. Upon actuation, the audible signal generator generates a pulsed audible signal such as a beep. The audible signal is preferably generated periodically, with progressively shorter intervals between audible signal pulses. The audible pulses serve to remind the owner to replace the retainer in his or her mouth after eating. Further, in the event that the case is misplaced, the audible signal can be used to locate the retainer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Margaret Elliott
  • Patent number: 6394803
    Abstract: A mixing arrangement and method for mixing a substance for the field of dentistry are provided, with the production of the substance requiring at least one base material and one reactant. A catalyst is applied to a base surface as reactant in a solid or semi-solid layer. The unit comprising catalyst and base is prefabricated, and the base material, particularly in liquid form, can be applied or introduced to the base surface that is provided with the catalyst prior to using the substance. The substance can be applied ready for use by means of an application element after the catalyst and base material have been mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Salz, Andre Rumphorst, Alexandros Gianasmidis, Frank Muller, Volker Rheinberger
  • Patent number: 6386872
    Abstract: A capsule contains dental restoration material for applying directly to a site to be restored. A capsule main body has a mixing compartment for a powder component and a first aperture forming portion to form an outlet hole. A liquid cup has a compartment for a liquid component and a second aperture forming portion to form an outlet hole for the liquid component. A stopper is provided on an external surface near a rear end portion for inhibiting sliding of the cup into the main body while the second aperture forming portion is being broken through, but not inhibiting the cup to slide into the main body when a large force is applied. A plunger has a projection for breaking through the second and first aperture forming portions. A nozzle has a rear end portion with a shape corresponding to the tip portion of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Mukasa, Yoshimasa Suzuki, Shuji Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 6378698
    Abstract: A disposable dental wipe made of a material substrate of predetermined size and dimensions for use in wiping the teeth, gums, and oral mucosa of an infant is provided. The dental wipes are impregnated with fluoride to strengthen erupted and growing teeth. Use of the dental wipes depends upon sensory pressure nerve endings in the user's fingers to quantitate the pressure at the time of cleaning. Fluoride may be impregnated onto the wipe for introduction into the oral cavity through any suitable composition, including gels, pastes, and powders, but is preferably introduced through an aqueous solution. Also included is a dental wipe dispenser for storing the wipes for ready usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Katrina M. Scoggins
  • Patent number: 6372816
    Abstract: The invention provides a storage stable dental composition comprising a volatile organic solvent and a polymerizable material enclosed by a package, which includes a closure, such as a cover or plug and a container made of a copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention is provided a stored packaged dental product by the process including: enclosing a dental composition in a package with at least a substantial portion of an injection molded thermoplastic copolymer of a cycloolefin and an open chain olefin, and storing the dental composition in the package for at least 1 week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: DENTSPLY DeTrey GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Walz, Kai P. Pflug, Ralf Wilner, Markus Evers
  • Patent number: 6360886
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a dental amalgam capsule includes a body, a cap, a dental amalgam alloy, and mercury. In further detail, the body has a hollow interior with an open first end which includes an opening surrounded by an end wall. The cap has a hollow interior with an open first end and an interior surface. The interior surface includes an annular recess disposed about a longitudinal axis of the cap, with the annular recess including a sealing surface angled at less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The sealing surface is capable of contacting at least a portion of the end wall, thereby forming a seal with the end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6354835
    Abstract: A tooth shade guide device and package combination comprises a device frangibly attached to the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Anna Maini
  • Patent number: 6352585
    Abstract: A multipart gypsum casting composition comprising a gypsum composition and a water composition where either the water and/or the gypsum composition contains at least two acids selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, boric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, sodium citric acid, trisodium citric acid, tartaric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid and aspartic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Diesso
  • Patent number: 6341688
    Abstract: Storage and cleaning apparatus for dentures comprising a plastic bag, the plastic bag including two ends, a top end and a bottom, and two side edges, a first side edge and a second side edge, and the plastic bag also including a triage of reusable seals, the triage being located near the top end and including an upper seal, a middle seal, and a lower seal, each of the seals including a male portion and a female portion, each of the seals extending parallel to each other and located approximately 1 centimeter to ½ inch from each other. In addition, the apparatus includes a cleaning agent assembly, the assembly being located on the inside of the plastic bag. The apparatus also includes a release valve incorporated into a side edge of the plastic bag, and includes pleating located on the lower half of each side edge of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Sandra P. Graham
  • Patent number: 6312258
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kit system comprising a plurality of disposable kits, each kit being adapted for post-extraction dental implantation on a particular dental area. Each kit includes a dental implant of specified dimensions for a particular dental area of the mouth, a transfer coping attachable to the dental implant for creating an impression for making a model to produce a prosthetic tooth, bone graft material for filling the void area around a portion of the implant after implantation, burrs and bone expanders, and a portable housing for storing the dental implant, the transfer coping, the bone graft material, wound dressing and burrs and bone expanders. Each disposable kit includes indicia which uniquely identifies it with the particular dental area of use. The kit system may include a non-disposable instrument kit including a plurality of reusable and sterilizable tools such as insertion instruments, a scissor, and a suture holder, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur Ashman
  • Patent number: 6305591
    Abstract: A container for holding an orthodontic retainer. The container comprises a front wall, an opposing back wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a bottom wall and a lid to define a cavity capable of holding an orthodontic retainer. The lid is hingedly attached to the back wall so the lid is not also easily lost. In a first preferred embodiment, a string is connected to the container that allows the user to hang the container from his neck. In a second preferred embodiment, a clip is formed in the back wall so that the user can attach the container to his clothing, much like an electronic pager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Janice M Jones
  • Patent number: 6295997
    Abstract: A dispenser for dental floss comprises a closed container having a reel of dental floss disposed therein, and having a generally planar back and front face, a pair of opposed side faces, a bottom face, and a top face opposed to the bottom face. There is a hub centrally located in the interior of the closed container, the reel of dental floss is mounted for rotation about the hub when the dental floss is unwound and removed from the reel. A slot is formed in the top face near a first corner of the container, through which slot a strand of dental floss extends so as to be unwound from the reel. A channel is formed at a second corner of the container, at the intersection of the top face and a second side face, and the channel extends between the top face and the second side face. A friction and cutting member comprises a tongue portion which is angled away from a base portion thereof, and is secured in place within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Spark Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 6295996
    Abstract: A dispenser for dental floss comprises a closed container having a reel of dental floss disposed therein, and having a generally planar back face, a front face, a pair of opposed side faces, a top face, a bottom face opposed to the top face, and a corner at each intersection of the top and bottom faces with the pair of opposed side faces. A hub is centrally located in the interior of the closed container and extends between the interior surfaces of the front and back faces. The reel of dental floss is mounted for rotation about the hub. There is an opening in the front face at a first corner, through which a strand of dental floss extends so as to be unwound from the reel; and a friction and cutting member is at a second corner of the front face. The friction and cutting member comprises a tongue portion which is angled away from a base portion, and is secured in place at the second corner of the front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Spark Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 6280192
    Abstract: A device for handling dental implants (1) with a locking screw (4). The device includes an adapter (6), which is secured to the implant (1) by a central screw (8). A ratchet insert (23) can be snap-connected to the adapter (6) in a positive-locking manner. A screwdriver (31) rotatably arranged in the ratchet insert (23), can release a screw (8) connecting the adapter (6) to the implant (1). The implant (1) connected to the adapter (6) is held by a two-part holding hub (11) in a receptacle. The implant (1) is handled by the ratchet insert (23) and is screwed into the prepared bore in the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Werner Groll, Egbert Kremer
  • Publication number: 20010015326
    Abstract: A container for filling a predetermined quantity of filling product, in particular pasty tooth filler masses, has a cylindrical base body with two oppositely lying hollow spaces and a connection piece lying therebetween. The hollow spaces are closable with snap lids so that hygiene and where appropriate sterility of the filling product are guaranteed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Coltene AG
    Inventor: Richard Bleuer
  • Patent number: 6257888
    Abstract: An accessory for a dental practitioner during a dental procedure utilizing an instrument held in one hand is in the form of a miniature tray-like holder of tough sharp-point penetration resistant, stiffly resilient material, preferably a thermo-formable plastic, formed with a recess containing a flexible absorbent wiping medium for the instrument, such as one or more small elongated cylinders of conventional quilted dental padding or a flexible cellular foam, is anchored to the back of the opposite hand of the practitioner by means e.g. of a layer of adhesive carried on its underface and adhered to the back of the hand or resilient wings downwardly gripping a finger thereof. The recess is contoured to promote retention of the absorbent material therein The holder preferably also has a well for holding a small vial of tooth polishing paste adjacent to the wiping medium recess for ready access during polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Barham
  • Patent number: 6218461
    Abstract: A silicone composition curing at room temperature by condensation, which is suitable especially as a dental molding composition. The silicone composition consists of the a) base paste containing a filler and polyorganosiloxane having hydroxy groups, b) and the activator component containing in addition to crosslinking agent and catalyst also a polyaddition product with alkoxysilyl groups in the molecule. The base paste and activator component can be mixed uniformly together and can be offered with special advantage in double cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Schwabe, Michael Freckmann, Klaus-Dieter Nehren
  • Patent number: 6213777
    Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for cleaning and storing dental appliances and similar articles. This apparatus incorporates a container filled with a liquid dentifrice together with an elongated structure to suspend a dental appliance in the dentifrice. The dental appliance can easily be stored in and removed from the apparatus without undue mess or inconvenience to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventor: Jeana L. Seitzinger