Ultrasonic Patents (Class 433/119)
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Patent number: 8745804Abstract: A toothbrush comprising at one of its ends, a handle, and at its other end, a head carrying bristles on one of its sides. A stainless steel cladding covers the head and the handle. As a variation, the head and handle can be made of stainless steel with a plastic plate attached to the head and carrying bristles. As an option, a tongue scraper can be incorporated at the tail end of the handle. As yet another variation the handle can carry a thermochromic material to provide a measure of temperature or to display an image or a text message.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Steven Jaksha
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Publication number: 20140099597Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for cleaning teeth and gingival pockets are disclosed herein. A fluid platform can include a pressure wave generator configured to propagate pressure waves through a treatment fluid. The pressure waves may be sufficient to remove undesirable dental deposits from a treatment tooth, neighboring gums, and/or spaces between the tooth and gums.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Sonendo Inc.Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Mehrzad Khakpour
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Patent number: 8678820Abstract: A magneto strictive sterilizable handpiece (14) with an electric connector (44) selectively engageable with a power cable includes a non-conducting inner core (30) having an outer surface, a conducting wire deposited on the outer surface of the inner core in a helical manner to form a coil (42) with a first end functioning as a first electrical contact and a second end functioning as second electrical contact, and an over-mold layer (50) deposited over the conducing wire to substantially completely seal the coil, so that the over-mold layer prevents a fluid from contacting any section of the conducting wire except for the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact during sterilization of the handpiece using the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC.Inventors: Mohammad Ali Jamnia, William L. Bollig, David W. Tipton
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Patent number: 8668664Abstract: A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Bing Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven G. Goldberg
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Patent number: 8632560Abstract: A system includes a generator with a grinder subgenerator and an ultrasonic subgenerator, a grinder handpiece, and an ultrasonic handpiece. The grinder handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the grinder subgenerator. The grinder handpiece includes a motor and a grinding tool connected mechanically to the motor. The rotational speed of the grinding tool is associated with electrical energy provided by the grinder subgenerator to the motor. The ultrasonic handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the ultrasonic subgenerator. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a transducer and a ball tip connected mechanically to the transducer. The amplitude of the vibrations at the ball tip is associated with electrical energy provide by the ultrasonic subgenerator to the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: Dharmendra Pal, Jeffry S. Melsheimer
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Patent number: 8585404Abstract: Efficiency-modulated ultrasonic dental inserts (12) are disclosed for preventing the overpowering of power-sensitive tips (18). The inserts (12) are useful in a handpiece (10) having an induction coil (20) disposed about a well and operable with an adjustable power supply having a maximum power output setting. An efficiency-modulated magnetostrictive element (14) is adapted to be received in the well. A velocity transducer (16) has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to a distal end of the magnetostrictive element (14). A power-sensitive tip (18) has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the velocity transducer (16). The efficiency of the magnetostrictive element (14) is matched with the power range of the tip (18) to prevent overpowering the tip (18) at the maximum power output setting.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: James S. Feine
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Publication number: 20130273498Abstract: A dental implant comprising an implant body which has an asymmetric root portion receivable in an asymmetric open root cavity of the patient and engagement means on the asymmetric root portion to at least in part engage a surface of the root cavity so as to prevent or inhibit unintentional extraction. The asymmetric root portion is complementarily shaped to fit the said asymmetric open root cavity, thus substantially dispensing with the need for protracted preparation of the root cavity and providing substantially immediate stability for the prosthetic tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: John Woods, Michael Tuke, David Sinclair
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Patent number: 8506293Abstract: An endodontic irrigating system that is capable of using ultrasonic energy for the treatment of a root canal and other dental areas. The system has at least one and preferably multiple solution reservoirs. The reservoirs are connected to one or more handpieces, which have at least one fluid outlet. The handpiece has at least one control mechanism disposed upon the handpiece for selective delivery of fluids to the dental. Ultrasonic energy is available within the system to be used in connection with another handpiece or handpieces concurrently with fluid flow to the handpiece, such as flow of irrigating fluids.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Gary J. Pond
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Publication number: 20130171582Abstract: Provided is an abrasive tip with which a tip, a curette, or the like can be readily sharpened by anyone without requiring skill gained through experience. Provided is a shaft (2) that is detachably attached to an end of a handpiece of a dental ultrasonic scaler or a dental air scaler, and a flat plate (3) extending continuously from an end of the shaft (2) and having a top surface (9), a bottom surface, two side surfaces (11), and a front surface (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Masanori Nishikibe, Mitsuyoshi Nishikibe
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Publication number: 20130122458Abstract: A system and a method for detecting irregular bone defects during dental implant osseointegration process. The system comprises a detecting abutment, an ultrasonic driver, a signal receiving and analyzing device. When dental detection is performed, the detecting abutment is disposed on a substrate holder of a dental implant. The ultrasonic driver configures the piezoelectric transducers disposed on the detecting abutment to produce ultrasonic wave and transmits the ultrasonic wave to the contact surface between the dental implant and the alveolus bone. The piezoelectric transducers can receive the reflected wave caused by the each portion of the contact surface reflecting the ultrasonic wave and transform the reflected wave into time domain voltage signal. The signal receiving and analyzing device receives the time domain voltage signal to determine the depth, the severity and the location of the irregular bone defects of the contact surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL CENTRAL UNIVERSITYInventors: Min-Chun Pan, Jian-Zhi Chen
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Publication number: 20130122459Abstract: A dental scaler apparatus includes a low power transformer that is tuned to the operating frequency of a detachable scaler insert connected to the handle of the scaler apparatus by selectively connecting corresponding banks of parallel adjustment capacitors by engaging corresponding switches coupled to each of the adjustment capacitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: COLTENE WHALEDENT, INC.Inventor: Coltene Whaledent, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130115570Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant cleaning apparatus. A dental implant cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes: a wire bundle formed of flexible materials; a tube enclosing the wire bundle; and a driver connected to the wire bundle, to drive the wire bundle. Accordingly, according to the present invention, a clean dental implant may be maintained after the dental implant is placed, and a lifespan of an implant may be extended by mechanically removing chemical and biological infections (pollutants) from a surface of the implant when the implant is infected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventor: Han Chip Kim
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Publication number: 20130115571Abstract: Treatment device for treatment of the oral cavity and pharynx and/or the teeth, having a treatment head that can be removably fastened to a handpiece, and which has a head piece having a plurality of bristles and which has an electromechanical transducer in the head piece for producing a mechanical oscillation or waves to be transferred to a treatment area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: EMAG AGInventor: Bülent Emekci
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Patent number: 8435034Abstract: The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Zila, Inc.Inventors: Mark Gersh, Pejman Fani, John Raybuck
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Patent number: 8430669Abstract: A method of positioning a dental implant in a jaw bone using a piezoelectric cutting tool is provided. Ultrasonic vibration is generated with the piezoelectric cutting tool. The piezoelectric cutting tool is translated in a lateral direction to form a first cut into the jaw bone and to form a second cut into the jaw bone. The second cut intersects the first cut to define a multi-slotted aperture in the jaw bone for receiving at least one dental implant. The dental implant is inserted in the multi-slotted aperture from the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventor: Carl E. Misch
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Publication number: 20130101957Abstract: A dental ultrasonic tip for removing a post by continuously transmitting ultrasonic energy to the post through continuous contact with the post is provided. The dental ultrasonic tip for removing a post may include a tip body portion, and a post receiving portion integrally formed with a leading end of the tip body portion and configured to include a recess depressed into a predetermined space shape. When a post mounted in a root canal is to be removed, the post is inserted in the recess while coming into contact with an inner surface of the recess. According to the foregoing structure, ultrasonic energy may be continuously transmitted to the post and the post may be efficiently removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: B&L BIOTECH CO., LTD.Inventor: In Hwan Lee
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Publication number: 20130071812Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a tip portion, a transducer configured to convert electrical energy into vibrational energy, an acoustic transformer interconnecting the transducer and the tip portion, and a grip portion disposed at least partially about the acoustic transformer. The grip portion is coupled to the acoustic transformer via a resilient nodal coupling at a nodal region of the acoustic transformer. The resilient nodal coupling is configured to provide rotational and axial stability to the acoustic transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: WESTDALE HOLDINGS LLCInventor: Westdale Holdings LLC
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Patent number: 8398399Abstract: An ultrasonic flossing device includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An engine is disposed within the housing and is configured to convert input energy into ultrasonic energy and an electronic driving circuit is coupled to both the engine and the power source. A power source is electrically coupled to the engine and is configured to deliver input energy to the engine. At least one acoustic transformer is coupled to the engine, the at least one acoustic transformer being configured to amplify the ultrasonic energy. A main fluid reservoir is configured to store a fluid therein, the main fluid reservoir being coupled to the at least one acoustic transformer such that, upon activation, the fluid transmits the ultrasonic energy to a treatment area.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Richard H. Paschke
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Publication number: 20130040263Abstract: Vibratory instrument including a tool releasably mounted on a tool carrier for coupling with a vibration generator. The tool includes in succession along a longitudinal axis: a working portion presenting a free end for reproducing the vibration transmitted by the vibration generator; a coupling portion; and an elastically-deformable attachment portion disposed upstream from the coupling portion. The tool carrier includes in succession along a longitudinal axis: a housing receiving the attachment portion of the tool; and a coupling bearing surrounding the coupling portion of the tool, at least in part. The attachment portion of the tool presents outside dimensions that are adapted relative to the inside dimensions of the housing of the tool carrier so as to prevent contact between the attachment portion and the housing when the coupling portion of the tool is in contact with the coupling bearing of the tool carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Societe Pour La Conception Des Applications Des Techniques ElectroniquesInventors: Patrick Lesage, Jean-Michel Richer, Alain Pinel
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Publication number: 20130040264Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasonic dental treatment are described, wherein the devices and methods can comprise a flexible array of cooperative ultrasound transducers. The array can contain individual ultrasonic transducers that can perform both functions of emitting and sensing. The transducers can have the ability to interchange their functions from emitting to sensing. The transducers can cooperate in providing an ultrasound treatment and each transducer can be independently controlled by an external source controller. An ultrasound system is provided comprising: an ultrasound transducer sensor array operable to emit or sense ultrasound, wherein the timing and intensity of emission may be controlled by an electronic controller based on a feedback signal from the sensors. In addition the ultrasound system can also have the ability to sense coupling to a treatment tissue. This ability to sense proper coupling can improve the efficacy of the treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Smilesonica Inc.Inventor: Cristian Scurtescu
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Patent number: 8334636Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling unit (24) for transmitting high-frequency mechanical vibrations from a vibration generator (12) onto a tool (34). Said coupling unit comprises in input part (22) and an output part (30) that are interconnected via two identical vibration bars (26, 28), said bars being off-set from each other. The bars may have the shape of quadrants to provide the output movement in a direction that forms an angle of 90° with the direction of the input movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventor: Michael Thoms
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Patent number: 8328452Abstract: The combination of a power toothbrush and an oral fluid, in which the oral fluid has the characteristic of changing viscosity, depending upon the action of a workpiece element portion, such as a flexible membrane, of the power toothbrush. The power toothbrush has two operating conditions. In one condition, the membrane moves toward and away from the teeth at a speed such that the fluid is liquid and flows easily to and around the teeth, including the interproximal regions. In the second condition, the membrane is moved at a significantly higher speed, in response to which the viscosity of the fluid increases substantially, having a shear rate at least as great as necessary to remove biofilm from the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.A.Inventors: Joseph W. Grez, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig
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Publication number: 20120308956Abstract: An ultrasonic dental instrument provides a hand piece with an ultrasonic generator communicating with a separable base and tip that when assembled provide mechanical rigidity and the conduction of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic generator to a distal portion of the tip but which may be separated for individual replacement and manufacture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: James A. DeVengencie, F. Kris Olsen, Spanky Raymond
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Patent number: 8295025Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the frequency of the current in the excitation coil of a handpiece of a dental magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaling unit, or a similar transducer. A microprocessor continually samples predetermined functions of the current through the excitation coil, and periodically adjusts the frequency, by performing a coarse-stepped frequency scan, followed by a fine-stepped frequency scan until the function samples are close to predetermined optimum values. The functions can include the peak of the current and the peak of a high-pass filtered version of the current. The frequency adjustment is performed each time the handpiece is energized by the practitioner, and at frequent intervals thereafter, assuring automatic optimal frequency at all times and under all conditions. Apparatus according to the invention does not require sensing coils or complex power- or impedance-sensing circuitry and covers a wide range of resonant frequencies for different handpiece- and insert types.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventors: Alan Edel, Julian Edel, Simeon Chavkin
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Publication number: 20120251975Abstract: An oral care apparatus is an apparatus for performing care on an oral cavity using a care member, and includes an accelerometer, a driving unit for vibrating the care member, and a vibration frequency detection unit for detecting a vibration frequency of the care member. The vibration frequency detection unit detects the vibration frequency based on the waveform of a signal outputted by the accelerometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Toshiyuki IWAHORI
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Publication number: 20120237895Abstract: An ultrasonic scaler tip, capable of effectively removing tartar or the like adhered around an artificial tooth root, is provided. An ultrasonic scaler is also provided, which prevents metal material (for example, ion), except for titanium or titanium alloy, from adhering around the artificial tooth root and disturbing tissue growth and adhesion to the tooth root.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Yugen Kaisha SeistaInventor: Takashi Morimoto
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Publication number: 20120231416Abstract: Provided is a periodontal instrument adapted for use in debridement of a root surface of a tooth having an axially elongated shaft and a shank. The shank is disposed at an end of the shaft and has a body extending distally relative to the shaft. The body includes a plurality of blades adapted for use in debridement of a root surface. Each blade is configured for scaling and/or planning of a root surface and the shaft is dimensioned and configured to facilitate manual manipulation of the shank. Also provided is a removable tip periodontal instrument adapted for use in debridement of a root surface of a tooth and a kit including a device and a plurality of tips that may be color coded for easy reference by the clinician.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Susan J. Drapeau, Kelly Brook Emerton, Daniel Andrew Shimko
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Patent number: 8256054Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion which has a disc spring assembly driven by a solenoid coil. The upper end of a central shaft which extends from the solenoid is connected to a drive flexible membrane assembly which in operation moves back and forth under the positive action of the solenoid central shaft and the return action of the spring on the central shaft. The drive membrane acts on hydraulic fluid which extends through a stem portion of the toothbrush to the brushhead, which includes a movable brushhead membrane. The moving fluid acts on the brushhead membrane to move it.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Meindert Hendrik Boonstra, John Boersma
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Publication number: 20120189978Abstract: A two-part, modular dental handpiece cable connector system that provides a convenient method for fast field replacement of worn or defective handpiece cables without disassembling the dental device. The two parts include a female connector element that mounts within the device housing and a male connector element to attach the cable. The female connector is further defined into two categories: snap-in mounting for enclosed, confined space cabinets and threaded panel mounting for universal attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: DAVID POLLOCK, MATTHEW BARTO
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Patent number: 8204612Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventors: James Feine, Mohammad A. Jamnia, William L. Bollig
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Publication number: 20120148979Abstract: An endodontic tool is provided to facilitate the removal of the smear layer and to enhance deep lateral cleaning of a root canal system. The tool is comprised of a sonic or ultrasonically driven activator which is made from a strong, flexible, non-metallic, and non-cutting material. The activator can be smooth. A snap-on coupler is adapted to attach the tool to a driver via a snap on action and without the use of tools. The driver will vibrate, sonically or ultrasonically, the flexible activator within a root canal of a tooth. The tool can be provided with fluid passages which allow for irrigating reagents to be delivered through the activator and into the root canal space during endodontic procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ENDO INVENTIONS, LLCInventors: Clifford J. Ruddle, Robert H. Sharp
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Publication number: 20120107767Abstract: The present invention is a personal ultrasonic dental hygiene device. A handle with an ultrasonic transducer is provided with differing dental hygiene attachments for personal use. The device may be powered through a battery or through direct wall socket communication. A variety of controls may be provided to adjust ultrasonic frequency and treatment time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: CAO GROUP, INC.Inventors: Steven D. Jensen, Densen Cao
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Patent number: 8162661Abstract: A dental tool having a pair of releasably and pivotably connected opposing jaw members. A biasing mechanism connected to at least one of the jaw members biases the jaw members toward a proximate rest position. A separating mechanism is connected to at least one jaw member for separating the jaw members. An ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the jaw members for vibrating them. A fastening device may be used to connect the pair of opposing jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Zbigniew Pona
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Publication number: 20120077140Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a gingival periosteum lining a bone. The apparatus comprises a periosteal mesher, which comprises a mesher surface, and a plurality of cutting elements distributed over the mesher surface, which are configured to cut the gingival periosteum to increase flexibility thereof. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: RAINBOW MEDICAL LTD.Inventors: Hadar BETTER, Gidoen FOSTICK, Yossi GROSS
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Publication number: 20110311944Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: PERIMETRICS, LLCInventors: James C. Earthman, Cherilyn G. Sheets
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Publication number: 20110300507Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling body that can convert a linear input movement into a linear output movement transversal to the input movement. The coupling body includes two parallel flexional arms of the same length, the ends of the flexional arms being connected by means of transversal connection arms. The connection arms carry driving bodies which represent load bodies arranged at the same distance from the neutral lines of the connection arms, in the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Udo Kirstgen, Michael Thoms
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Patent number: 8057480Abstract: An ultrasonic handpiece is used for augmenting a bone screw. The handpieces comprise a housing, an ultrasonic converter shiftingly accommodated in the housing, and a sonotrode connected to one end of the ultrasonic converter. The sonotrode protrudes from the housing into the bone screw. An adjuster wheel is adjustably connected to the housing. A spring is provided the ends of which are supported by the ultrasonic converter and the adjuster wheel, respectively. The ultrasonic converter is preloaded in the direction away from the adjuster wheel by setting the adjuster wheel, thereby the sonotrode is urged with a selected force into the bone screw and the augmentation material is pressed out of the bone screw and into the bone.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbHInventors: Klaus Dorawa, Manuel Schwager, Marcel Aeschlimann, Philipp Seiler
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Patent number: 8046861Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Grez W. Joseph
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Publication number: 20110256503Abstract: The appliance includes an appliance body (12) as well as a system for producing microbubbles (20) and a system for producing an ultrasound signal beam (22) in a frequency range which activates at least some of the microbubbles. The appliance includes at least one of the following: (a) an array of ultrasound transducer elements (40) which produce a plurality of ultrasound signal beams; (b) an amplitude modulation assembly (51) for modulating the amplitude of the ultrasound signal; and (c) a frequency modulation system (61) for changing the frequency of the ultrasound signals over a selected range, to impact a range of microbubble sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: John Douglas Fraser
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Patent number: 8037566Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Joseph W. Grez
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Publication number: 20110250560Abstract: Provided are a dental and medical ultrasonic tip that may enhance a durability and a reliability and may simplify a manufacturing process, and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing the dental and medical ultrasonic tip may include: providing a molding mixture including powder; manufacturing an intermediate molded object by injecting the molding mixture so as to integrally form a tip body and a plurality of tip protrusions protruded from the tip body; and sintering the intermediate molded object. The tip body and the plurality of tip protrusions may be formed using the same material, and the plurality of tip protrusions may be closely arranged on a substantially polished portion of the tip body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Young Sam Kwon, In Hwan Lee, Seongho Baek
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Publication number: 20110250559Abstract: Efficiency-modulated ultrasonic dental inserts (12) are disclosed for preventing the overpowering of power-sensitive tips (18). The inserts (12) are useful in a handpiece (10) having an induction coil (20) disposed about a well and operable with an adjustable power supply having a maximum power output setting. An efficiency-modulated magnetostrictive element (14) is adapted to be received in the well. A velocity transducer (16) has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is attached to a distal end of the magnetostrictive element (14). A power-sensitive tip (18) has a proximal end secured to the distal end of the velocity transducer (16). The efficiency of the magnetostrictive element (14) is matched with the power range of the tip (18) to prevent overpowering the tip (18) at the maximum power output setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: James Feine
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Publication number: 20110229848Abstract: An appliance for activating a tooth-whitening agent has a source of ultrasonic vibration having an active ultrasonically agitated tip. A holder is fittable over the tip and carries a vibration-conducting fork engageable between the upper teeth and lower teeth of a patient and in contact with the tip for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations from the tip to the patient's teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Paul HERTZ
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Publication number: 20110177474Abstract: A magneto strictive sterilizable handpiece (14) with an electric connector (44) selectively engageable with a power cable includes a non-conducting inner core (30) having an outer surface, a conducting wire deposited on the outer surface of the inner core in a helical manner to form a coil (42) with a first end functioning as a first electrical contact and a second end functioning as second electrical contact, and an over-mold layer (50) deposited over the conducing wire to substantially completely seal the coil, so that the over-mold layer prevents a fluid from contacting any section of the conducting wire except for the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact during sterilization of the handpiece using the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: HU-FRIEDY MFG. CO., INCInventors: Mohammed Ali Jamnia, William L. Bollig, David W. Tipton
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Patent number: 7981071Abstract: A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Bing Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven G. Goldberg
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Patent number: 7959438Abstract: An ultrasonic tool is disclosed with a handpiece (300, 500, 806) containing coils (304A-304D; 504A-504D; 804A-804B) that produce an electromagnetic field that vibrates a magnetic rod (102, 702A, 702B, 820) of a moveable pin transducer (MPT) 100 disposed within the handpiece. Ultrasonic vibrations are produced when the coils are selectively powered by an ultrasonic signal generator, which can include a stepper motor control apparatus (1300, 1400). A tip 106 can be removably attached to an MPT 100. A channel (708A, 708B) in the magnetic rod (700A, 700B) can allow fluidic communication with a handpiece fluid supply channel (310, 510). A method of vibrating a tool can include controllably energizing at least one electromagnetic coil contained within a handpiece to vibrate a magnetic rod and an attached tip. The method can include varying the energy to at least one of the electromagnetic coils with a stepper motor control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: James Feine
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Publication number: 20110091837Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler comprising a handpiece and a control unit. The handpiece includes include a tip, and a water irrigator for providing water to the tip, the handpiece being constructed and arranged to vibrate the tip. The control unit is in communication with the handpiece and receives electrical feedback from the tip. The control unit automatically controls water flow from the water irrigator to the tip and the vibration of the tip based on the received electrical feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventor: Hossein ZOLHAYAT
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Publication number: 20110087605Abstract: A dental device capable of monitoring at least one characteristic of the dental device. The characteristics are monitored by the use of microchips; radio frequency identification devices (RFID), bar codes, resistors, diodes, semiconductors, and magnetic strips.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Gary J. Pond
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Publication number: 20110033823Abstract: The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: DISCUS DENTAL, LLCInventors: Mark Gersh, Pejman Fani, John Raybuck
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Publication number: 20110027752Abstract: A two-part, modular dental handpiece cable connector system that provides a convenient method for fast field replacement of worn or defective handpiece cables without disassembling the dental device. The two parts include a female connector element that mounts within the device housing and a male connector element to attach the cable. The female connector is further defined into two categories: snap-in mounting for enclosed, confined space cabinets and threaded panel mounting for universal attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: David Pollock, Matthew Barto