Apparatus Patents (Class 433/25)
  • Patent number: 11669175
    Abstract: A mouse as an example of an electronic equipment can be used in medical settings and includes a housing that can be gripped by a hand, a substrate which is arranged in a space in the housing and on which an electronic circuit component for calculating a state of the mouse is mounted, and an optical element (lens) which is arranged in a part of a bottom portion (housing bottom portion) of the housing and through which image light from outside enters. The optical element and the electronic circuit component are connected by a transmission unit capable of transmitting the image light. The substrate is arranged so as to be separated from the housing bottom portion upward in a Z direction by a distance between a lower surface of the housing bottom portion and a lower surface of the electronic circuit component in the Z direction and/or by a distance between an upper surface of the housing bottom portion and a lower surface of the substrate in the Z direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Susa Inc.
    Inventor: Yukinori Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11523887
    Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
  • Patent number: 11357601
    Abstract: An electronic impression tray can be used to obtain three-dimensional and temporal measurements in dentistry. There is a device having optical measurement sensor system, and an electronic system including a central management unit capable of collecting, storing and ordering the data obtained by the sensor systems distributed over all or part of the impression tray. An optical impression of all or part of a dental arch can be obtained with a single or multiple impressions. The tray includes a part having the shape of all or part of a dental arch, and the part can change by virtue of its ability to deform and/or a structure formed by multiple elements that are hinged to one another and/or reversibly assembled and secured to one another, such as to provide the optimal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Francois Duret, Guy De Vreese
  • Patent number: 11096764
    Abstract: A dental tray molding kit for making a custom dental tray includes a generic tray, a thermoformable member removably insertable into the generic tray and a deformable spacer member placeable onto the thermoformable material and bitable by the user upon placement of the spacer member onto the thermoformable member in the user's mouth. The generic tray may be a rigid carrier tray and the kit may include a partially deformable member placed between the rigid carrier tray and the thermoformable member. A method for dental tray molding includes providing a generic tray, heating a thermoformable member until sufficiently pliable, placing the thermoformable member over the generic tray, placing a deformable spacer member over the thermoformable member, applying a biting force from a user onto the thermoformable member through the deformable spacer member, cooling the thermoformable member and separating the thermoformable member, whereby the thermoformable member forms a custom dental tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Gilbert Ackel
  • Patent number: 10271931
    Abstract: Dental systems and methods related to impressionless dental modeling. A dental modeling system includes a dental model base and a mounting plate. The dental model base includes a plate support surface and a plurality of pin receiving apertures formed in the support surface. The mounting plate includes a plate portion positioned on the plate support surface and a plurality of pins extending into the pin receiving apertures to provide removable attachment of the mounting plate to the dental model base. The plate portion includes a model support surface configured to support a model of a person's teeth. The model may be formed directly on the model support surface using an impressionless technique. The model may be formed separately using an impressionless technique and then bonded to the model support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 9798834
    Abstract: There are disclosed an apparatus for assembling a 3D model including a key input unit configured to generate a variety of key inputs for 3D model assembling or key data based on touch input on a screen; a control unit configured to drive an application to implement 3D model assembling based on the key input from the key input unit; a 3D model unit configured to provide a menu screen for 3D model assembling, when driven by the control unit, to display a screen of parts for a 3D model selected as an assembling object based on the touch or key input on the menu screen and to assemble parts selected from the part screen in successive steps to finish the 3D model; and a display unit configured to display successive screens based on the 3D model assembling performed by the 3D model unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SEMS GAMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Sik Ahn, Jeong Hoon Ahn, Je Young Hong, Jin Seung Jo
  • Patent number: 9682496
    Abstract: A chop saw, grinding wheel, or like apparatus is disclosed herein also incorporated to an easily portable dust collection system. In a preferred embodiment, a worktable is provided with a center slot for receiving a circular saw blade. A negative pressure and resulting air flow is provided at the center slot to capture particulate matter as a byproduct of cutting the workpiece. Side slots are also disclosed to assist in particulate collection. A unique filter chamber having a cylindrical filter is additionally provided to remove dust from air and discharge the filtered air at a lateral side of the apparatus. A filter cleaning knob is additionally disclosed to assist in cleaning the filter. Of the beneficial aspects of the chop saw with dust collection system is its portability being one integral unit and the dust filter being easily cleaned and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: JPL GLOBAL, LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Fairweather, Stephen M. Curtis, Paul W. Guth, Randy Ott
  • Patent number: 9656114
    Abstract: A jaw-strengthening device has a first receiver that receives a first row of teeth having first and second molar sections, a first air chamber within the first receiver positioned in a first molar section of the first receiver, a second air chamber within the first receiver positioned in a second molar section of the first receiver, and an egress valve, that permits egress and prevents ingress of air, in communication with the first and second air chambers, a second receiver that receives a second row of teeth having first and second molar sections, a third air chamber within the second receiver positioned in a first molar section of the second receiver, a fourth air chamber within the second receiver positioned in a second molar section of the second receiver, and an ingress valve in communication with the third and fourth air chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Jamal Hafeez-Bey
  • Patent number: 9226801
    Abstract: A multifunctional diagnostic tray configured to clasp an oral structure when positioned in a mouth. The tray may be digitally designed from surface scan data of the mouth and manufactured. The tray provides a temporary positioning reference location that may be viewed in a tomography scan data set. The tray may be used to orient and verify the tomography scan data set and the surface scan data set to create a combined master data file that may be used to determine the appropriate location for a dental implant or other dental procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ibur, LLC
    Inventors: Randall C. Groscurth, Shoko U. Groscurth
  • Patent number: 9149756
    Abstract: A device for adsorption treatment of a fluid or fluid stream, comprising a container for receiving adsorber material, wherein the container has a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening, and two fluid connection devices, wherein one of the fluid connection devices is provided at the fluid inlet opening and the other one of the fluid connection devices is provided at the fluid outlet opening, wherein the fluid connection devices are locked in a fluid-tight manner and are designed in such a way that they can each be connected to a fluid line connector and unlocked and, if they are connected to the respective fluid line connector they can be unlocked or are unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Anfang, Christian Hamel, Norbert Modl
  • Patent number: 9069914
    Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
  • Publication number: 20150111167
    Abstract: Centrifugal deflection device intended to be fitted to a surgical or dental handpiece to prevent the penetration of foreign matter that results from an operation, the centrifugal deflection device including a ring coupled in rotation either directly or via a tool shank to a drive shaft of the handpiece. This device is characterized in that the ring is covered by a sleeve secured to the front end of the body of the handpiece and which, with the ring, delimits an ejection chamber. The ejection chamber includes an inlet that communicates with a rear area of the handpiece and an outlet that communicates with the external environment, the ring having a first diameter at the outlet of the ejection chamber and a second diameter at the inlet of the ejection chamber, the first diameter of the ring being larger than the second diameter of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Bien-Air Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Marc TOSETTI, Nicola MIKIC, Luc MAÎTRE
  • Patent number: 8866894
    Abstract: A method for displaying live video of a tooth identifies a tooth tissue region in a viewable image frame obtained from a video stream and processes pixel data within the tooth tissue region to identify a suspected caries site. Intensity values for pixels that correspond to the suspected caries site are modified and a highlighted viewable image frame is formed as a combination of the modified intensity values corresponding to the suspected caries site and other pixel values in the viewable image frame. The highlighted viewable image frame is displayed in video form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor C. Wong, Gary M. Spinelli, Peter D. Burns, Paul O. McLaughlin, Jean Marc Inglese
  • Publication number: 20140242537
    Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus is disclosed that may include a PTFE strip and at least one applicator tab attached to the PTFE strip wherein the applicator tab can be pulled away from the PTFE strip under the discretion of an operator. The applicator tab may comprise at least one adhesive surface limited to an area of the application tab which is used for attaching the application tab to the PTFE strip. The PTFE strip and the applicator tab may comprise varying shapes, widths, and lengths based on its desired application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Kyle STANLEY, Charles ODION
  • Publication number: 20140212839
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Publication number: 20140212840
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Publication number: 20140212837
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Publication number: 20140212838
    Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Incept, Inc.
    Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
  • Patent number: 8738340
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick Colm Dunne, Eric B. Paley, Micah J. Rosenbloom, Michael Patrick Girard
  • Patent number: 8620462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus used in dental care environment and to a method for controlling a device belonging to the apparatus, especially to hygienic and ergonomic control of a device belonging to the apparatus in connection with dental care work. The invention includes at least one device (2, 3) used in connection with dental care work, such as a dental unit, a patient chair, a dental x-ray device and/or a computer and at least one user interface (1) for sending control commands to at least one of said devices (2, 3) used in connection with dental care work, whereby a fixed or a detachable means (4) is arranged in said user interface (1) for detachably connecting it to a person working in the dental care environment, to his/her clothing or to the dental unit, or the user interface is arranged as a fixed or a detachable part of clothing arranged to be separately dressed on the person in question or of some other structure to be dressed on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Kustaa Nyholm
  • Publication number: 20130337400
    Abstract: Disclosed is a marker for image information matching. A marker for image information matching in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an oral cavity of a patient to provide a reference point for obtaining image information on an oral tissue of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Tae Kyoung Yi, Je Kyo Jung
  • Patent number: 8520925
    Abstract: Device for taking three-dimensional and temporal optical imprints in color, including a three-dimensional dental imaging device that does not employ structured light projection. The device includes a stereo camera having at least two CCD or CMOS color sensors in preset positions, an optical system of fixed and preset focal length, an LED lighting system, and an electronic system located behind or near the sensor, controlling the latter but also the LEDs illuminating the imprint capture region. The system includes a central processing unit and a card for controlling said LEDs. The sensors are distributed over all or part of a dental arch, being placed in a sort of optical impression tray allowing a complete image of the arch to be captured in a single exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: François Duret
  • Publication number: 20130196285
    Abstract: The device for infiltration of approximal tooth surfaces, with a flexible planar element and with a holder into which the planar element is clamped, is characterized in that the planar element is a liquid-impermeable plastic film which has a surface area for taking up a liquid to be used for treatment, and in that the holder is a bow-shaped element with a web and two lateral arms which extend from the latter and are arranged in an arc-shape or U-shape, to which the plastic film is connected in a liquid-impermeable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Steffen Effenberger, Hendrik Meyer-Luckel, Sebastian Paris, Susanne Effenberger
  • Patent number: 8470600
    Abstract: A biocompatible material, wherein at least a part of a surface of the biocompatible material is characterized by a micro or nano-meter scale topographical structure comprising a plurality of features where the structure is selected to promote the growth of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells or serve to promote the uniform differentiated growth of stem cells. Furthermore, a biocompatible material is provided having a surface structure and composition that affects a cellular function, in particular cellular functions related to gene induction, cell differentiation and the formation of bone tissue in vivo and ex-vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Aarhus Universitet
    Inventors: Mogens Ryttergård Duch, Lotte Markert, Jette Lovmand, Annette Christine Füchtbauer, Ernst Martin Füchtbauer, Morten Foss, Flemming Besenbacher, Finn Skou Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20130140289
    Abstract: A compliance monitoring system (40) for an intraoral appliance comprises a power source (460), a detector (410) for detecting when the intraoral appliance is positioned in the mouth for use, a recorder (430) configured to record measurement data, and a transponder (440) configured to communicate the measurement data. The monitoring system is adjustable based on a particular property of a patient or a group of patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: RESMED SAS
    Inventors: Ludovic Baratier, Fabrice Paublant, Denis Ropp, Yannick Favre, Ronald James Huby, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana
  • Publication number: 20130122449
    Abstract: Fluid distributions implement to evenly wear down dental decay, diseased tissue, or undesired dentin in oral applications with live patients. The dentist has adjustable control over both the intensity and distribution field of a low-pressure sterile fluid, which may contain a pre-determined amount of reductive elements held in suspension. The implement must be supplied with a source of power and feed line of the chosen fluid. When switched on, it delivers one or a plurality of rapid bursts of varying impact strength in such a quick manner that the entire impact zone receives an even distribution of the liquid bursts. The desired result is the severe reduction in cratering, gouging, and non-symmetrical damage introduced by implements of the prior art such as drills, jet-stream fluid delivery systems, and tissue sanders with less danger of structural impairment to the patient in these cases of comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur Kitchings Weathers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130115248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and inventive composition for implant cleaning and/or debridement of hard surfaces in the oral cavity, which comprises optimally activated nanoparticles of TiO2, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 10-100 nm at a concentration between 0.5-500 g/L, and H2O2, at a concentration of at the most 7.5% by volume, said composition being antibacterial, without causing microbial resistance, and anti-inflammatory, and wherein said composition further comprises solid microparticles, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 100-200 ?m at a concentration between 0.5-300 g/L, for improved mechanical debridement and/or cleaning of rough surfaces in the oral cavity and/or on an implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CORTICALIS AS
    Inventors: S. Petter Lyngstadaas, Håvard J. Haugen
  • Patent number: 8374714
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick Colm Dunne, Eric B. Paley, Micah J. Rosenbloom, Michael Patrick Girard
  • Publication number: 20120329007
    Abstract: A device for operation of a surgical or dental drive unit includes a control valve attached to a drive unit to control a flow rate of a compressed fluid flowing from a compressed fluid source to the drive unit. The control valve includes (a) a first control arrangement controlling a rate of flow of the compressed fluid through the control valve; (b) a control switch; and (c) a control sleeve controlled by the control switch to axially move along a longitudinal axis of the drive unit between a first configuration in which the control valve is locked and closed to fluid flow and a second configuration in which the control valve is unlocked and the first control arrangement controls the rate of flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Tanner, Arthur Meili
  • Publication number: 20120295212
    Abstract: A therapeutic dental mouthpiece-forming substrate includes: a flexible board on which an electrical component used for dental arch treatment is mounted; and a thermosoftening resin sheet in which the flexible board is embedded in an airtight or watertight state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Sakimura, Shogo Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20120295215
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a material comprises a piston for extruding the material. The device further has a spindle and a cooperating nut that are rotatable relative to each other to displace the piston axially to a rotation axis of the spindle. The device is adapted for rotationally driving the spindle and the nut individually. The invention is advantageous in that it helps in providing a relatively compact and inexpensive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Emir Jelovac, Oezcan Doenmez, Manfred Harre, Jens Gramann, Christian A. Richter
  • Publication number: 20120244489
    Abstract: An ultrasonic orthodontal monitoring system and method of use is described herein, featuring an intraoral ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic monitoring apparatus configured to connect to the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, generate and send electrical pulse signals to the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, receive measured signals from the intraoral ultrasonic transducer, and generate time-of-flight and relative density based on the measured signals. This invention will permit routine measurements to be made of osseointegration by the patient's dentist during regular maintenance appointments, thereby reducing the risk of a failed implant, patient discomfort, and inconvenience. As a diagnostic tool, it can also aid in the diagnosis and treatment of progressive periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, and osteoporosis in edentulous patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Robert D. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 8232506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental firing furnace having a firing space and at least one carrier for dental material, in particular a muffle, which can be loaded into the firing space, and, in particular, a pressing device for pressing a ceramic blank inserted in the muffle, at least one physical variable of the firing space and/or of the carrier and/or of the muffle and/or of the ceramic blank being detected. A processing program of the dental furnace (10) that can be set is based on the detected physical variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Jussel
  • Publication number: 20120141954
    Abstract: The hands-free dental appliance includes upper and lower tray members (12, 14) for receiving the teeth of the user, the tray members having teeth contact members such as bristles. A power assembly (28) moves the tray member in a reciprocal manner, resulting in cleaning of the surfaces of the teeth by the bristles. A grounding system (30) with bite portions (32, 34, 36) for biting contact whereby the user's teeth grounds the appliance to the user's mouth structure, reacting both static and dynamic forces, the grounding system being either separate from the tray members or flexibly connected to the tray members, allowing the tray members to move and clean the teeth without the user having to hold or otherwise manipulate the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Headstrom, Tijn Pieter Lodewijk Huttenhuis, Jeffrey Daniel Allison, Lawrence David Azzano
  • Publication number: 20120082952
    Abstract: Method for expanding bone crest (1) in order to receive the installation of a final dental implant (4), where the bone crest (1) is expanded using a implant-expander, in other words, a biocompatible and osteoconductive piece that has an expander function. The use of an implant-expander (3) to widen the bone crest (1) has the important effect of said implant-expander acting as a support to the bone and therefore helping to consolidate the fracture of the bone crest (1) and the formation of bone around said implant-expander. The bone generated around the implant-expander (3) is therefore of a high quality. The invention also contemplates the optional correction of the angulation of the alveolus during the widening process, so that the final dental implant (4) and the corresponding dental prosthesis are adequately oriented. It is also an object of the invention to provide a specific design for the implant-expander (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, I MAS D, S.L.
    Inventor: Eduardo ANITUA ALDECOA
  • Patent number: 8110178
    Abstract: A dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method which are excellent in the detection accuracy of dental plaques and also capable of improving the situation to stain sites other than dental plaques (such as interdental parts and gums) are provided. The dental-plaque detection system includes a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin; and a light-emitting apparatus, which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm to an object in the oral cavity where the dental-plaque staining agent is attached. The dental-plaque detection method includes attaching a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin onto an object in the oral cavity; and thereafter irradiating light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm onto the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lion Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Fujikawa, Kouichi Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20120021370
    Abstract: Biodegradable stents and methods for selectively guided tissue regeneration in treating a periodontal defect adjacent to a root of a tooth are provided. The biodegradable stents and methods comprise a coronal portion and a transverse portion or shelf, which reduce unwanted migration of gingival epithelium, gingival connective tissue, and soft tissue and enable the cementum and periodontal ligament cells to re-establish the periodontal ligament in a proper sequence resulting in a new periodontal attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Susan J. Drapeau, Daniel Andrew Shimko, Kelly Brook Emerton
  • Publication number: 20120021369
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for maintaining space to treat a periodontal defect adjacent to a tooth, the devices and methods comprise a supporting structure comprising a pin, or suture or mesh having a body configured to extend over the periodontal defect and hold gingival tissue above the defect, the supporting structure having a first end configured to retain the supporting structure against at least a portion of the tooth and a second end configured to be attached or implanted in or on at least a portion of bone adjacent to the periodontal defect. The devices and methods provided maintain space between at least gingival tissue and the periodontal ligament and avoid compression of any bone replacement material in the defect. In some embodiments, the devices and methods provided can be removed from the healed periodontal defect without the need to cut into healed soft tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: William F. McKay
  • Publication number: 20110311938
    Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Peter M. Allred, Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 8075875
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide), and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: KLOX Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Remigio Piergallini, Nicolas Loupis
  • Publication number: 20110207075
    Abstract: A method comprises creating a predetermined pattern of treatment microzones in oral tissue affected by a condition, applying energy of predetermined characteristics to the soft tissue through a tip being limited by at least one dimensional feature of the oral tissue. The application of energy to the oral tissue after creating the predetermined pattern of treatment microzones in the oral soft tissue is terminated. A type of the energy and the characteristics of the predetermined pattern of treatment microzones are defined by the condition in the soft tissue. The condition in the oral tissue can be a gingival recession, gingivitis, periodontal disease, xerostomia, black triangle disease, and interdental/interimplant papilla deficiencies. The oral tissue can be oral soft tissue, such as oral mucosa soft tissue or a gingival soft tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: LASER ABRASIVE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory B. ALTSHULER, Felix I. FELDCHTEIN
  • Publication number: 20110207990
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the design and optimal placement of transmitting and receiving directional antennas, a priori, as used in intra-oral to extra-oral (or visa versa) wireless electronic systems regardless of the type and purpose of the data transmitted between the antennas (intra-oral and extra-oral). Systems related to the invention transmit data via electromagnetic radio waves or through an inductive loop coupling such as in stimulating the human hearing nerve (inner ear) via dental bone conduction pathway when operating in “receive mode”. “Send mode” systems related to the invention transmit non-acoustic information or voice data from inside the mouth to a receiver located outside the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Barry L. Mersky
  • Publication number: 20110185525
    Abstract: The mouthpiece (10) includes receiving portions for receiving teeth from the upper and lower jaws. The teeth receiving portions includes two side portions (26, 28) which are joined by flexible members (32, 34) to a front portion (30). The two side portions move laterally relative to the front portion by the flexible members to accommodate a variety of dental arch configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Arif Veendijk
  • Publication number: 20110189626
    Abstract: A teeth whitening system includes a head unit adapted to be worn on a user's head, a light housing supported by the head unit proximate to the user's mouth, the light housing including a light source, and a mouth piece including a tray portion adapted to surround the user's teeth. At least one of the light housing or the mouth piece includes a receptacle, and the other of the light housing or the mouth piece includes a plug portion adapted to engage in the receptacle. The present application also provides an apparatus for whitening teeth, a mouth piece for use in whitening teeth, and a method of whitening teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Engineered Cosmetic Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Angelo Sanzari
  • Publication number: 20110177471
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting a crack in a human tooth, especially one covered by a restoration, such as a crown, the approach is to stress the suspect tooth and, by means of acoustic emission techniques, analyze the characteristics of the resultant acoustic emission from the tooth. To aid the identification of a crack from the acoustic emission signal, a baseline may be obtained by performing this procedure at a time when the tooth is known not be cracked, e.g., when a restoration is placed on it. This baseline acoustic emission signature is recorded. This procedure is repeated at intervals. The subsequent measurements are compared with the baseline to identify changes that indicate the initiation and growth of a crack. The invention includes apparatus for implementing the method. The approach is to integrate the acoustic emission pulser and sensor into commercially available dental instruments, e.g., a tooth polisher and a water syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: KALLIS TECHNICAL SERVICES
    Inventor: James M. Kallis
  • Publication number: 20110129787
    Abstract: A method for creating a custom dental tray is made by filling a dental tray with an elastomer material, obtaining a first impression of a patient's teeth in the elastomer material by pressing the elastomer-filled dental tray against the patient's teeth, heating a polymer sheeting, and placing the heated polymer sheeting over the first impression in the elastomer-filled dental tray. In addition, the custom dental tray is made by obtaining a second impression of the patient's teeth in the polymer sheeting by pressing the elastomer-filled dental tray having the first impression and the heated sheeting over the patient's teeth and removing the polymer sheeting from the elastomer-filled dental tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Henry Darnell
  • Patent number: 7912257
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein provide real time display of three-dimensional dental data acquired intraorally from a dental patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric B. Paley, Janos Rohaly, Joseph Boerjes, Douglas P. Hart, Micah J. Rosenbloom, Steven V. Weeks
  • Publication number: 20110059416
    Abstract: Provided is an assistant apparatus for oral treatment including dental treatment and a unit chair equipped with the same. The assistant apparatus includes an oral cavity insertion member positioned in the oral cavity in front of the uvula of a patient, or preferably, on the soft palate, such that washing liquid or saliva is prevented from entering a patient's throat during oral treatment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent patient discomfort and interruption of treatment. Further, medical instruments/components are prevented from entering the throat and injuring the pharynx.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: MEDIWIDE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ul-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20110045429
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis removal tool comprising a handle portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a head portion and a beak portion. The beak portion is configured to engage both a maxillary dental prosthesis and a mandibular dental prosthesis without the tool needing to be reoriented. The dental prosthesis removal tool makes it possible for a dental prosthesis wearer to remove dental prostheses without the user placing his or her fingers inside of his or her mouth. The dental prosthesis removal tool also allows a denture wearer to remove dental prostheses without bending, work hardening, or breaking metal clasps contained in some dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool further allows a denture wearer to more comfortably remove his or her dental prosthesis, promoting better patient compliance with maintenance procedures and oral hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Henry D. Rossi, III
  • Publication number: 20110008746
    Abstract: A liquid injection apparatus for lifting a maxillary sinus mucous membrane includes a passageway longitudinally extending through inside the apparatus; a connecting pipe formed at a rear portion to connect with a liquid supply apparatus; and an injection pipe 16 formed in a front portion, for being inserted into an implant hole extending to a bottom of a mucous membrane of a maxillary sinus, with a distal end of the injection pipe 16 spaced apart from the mucous membrane by a predetermined distance. The injection pipe is structured to inject liquid into the implant hole while closing the implant hole. The liquid injection apparatus can more easily lift the maxillary sinus mucous membrane without damaging the same by applying uniform pressure to the maxillary sinus mucous membrane when the maxillary sinus mucous membrane is being lifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dae Yuen Kim