Having Intra-oral Dispensing Means Patents (Class 433/80)
  • Patent number: 9700544
    Abstract: Oral preparations of microcapsules and nanoparticles including an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin. The preparations are intended to assist with the treatment and prevention of cancer neurocognitive dysfunction, genetically predisposed disorders, and age-related disorders. The embodiments discussed address the present need for alternative preparations or manufacturing processes that ensure efficacy while improving other performance characteristics such as storage stability, biodistribution, dosage cost, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Neal K Vail, Dana M Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9693928
    Abstract: An oral appliance for administering a stimulus, such as a substance, to the mouth of a user includes a flexible tube having an inlet portion, a first curved portion forming an ear loop connected to the inlet portion, a second curved portion forming a lip bend connected to the first curved portion, and an outlet portion extending from the second curved portion. Alternatively, a mouthpiece for delivering a substance to the mouth of a user includes a housing having an inlet portion, a riser portion extending upwardly from the inlet portion and a curved outlet portion. A flexible tube is coupled to the housing. A method of delivering a substance to a predetermined location in a user's mouth includes disposing a flexible tube between a row of teeth and an interior surface of a cheek. The flexible tube has an exit port positioned in a rear portion of the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Trudell Medical International, The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Michael A. Baran, George Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Sarah Trotter
  • Patent number: 9687328
    Abstract: Syringe tips for use with dental syringes, connectors for connecting syringe tips to a dental syringe, and combinations thereof are described. In one embodiment, a syringe tip has an elastic inner tube with a flexible proximal portion extending proximally beyond a shoulder of an outer tube. An elongate fluid passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end of the inner tube's flexible proximal portion to an exit at the distal end of the inner tube. The outer tube defines at least a portion of at least one additional elongate fluid passageway. In another embodiment, a syringe tip as described above is provided in combination with a connector that includes a tubular shaped portion adapted to be received within the fluid passageway of the inner tube and wherein the distal end of the tubular shaped member includes fingers adapted to radially expand the inner tube over the tubular shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Bernard S. Esrock
  • Patent number: 9566140
    Abstract: Tooth whitening device for whitening teeth using sonochemistry includes a body, and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the body. The ultrasonic transducer is configured for producing ultrasonic waves in the range of 20-100 kHz, and good results have been achieved with ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 40 kHz. There is an ultrasonic horn provided on the body, and the ultrasonic horn is operatively connected with the ultrasonic transducer. A liquid retaining element is provided on the ultrasonic horn, and the liquid retaining element is configured for retaining a liquid tooth whitening composition against a user's teeth. The liquid retaining element may be a sponge or a replaceable pad, such as a foam pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dentovations Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Brown, Mark Edward Farrell, Arshad Ali, Tim Diasti, Graham K. Philp, Jr., Graham K. Parrish-Philp, David Wuchinich
  • Patent number: 9549841
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Split Rock Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hermanson, Amit Rajguru
  • Patent number: 9498045
    Abstract: Cosmetic or pharmaceutical applicator with a supply of the cosmetic or pharmaceutical fluid provided in the brush outside of the bristle facing, a pump mechanism for dispensing the fluid through or in the bristle facing of the brush, whereupon the bristle facing of the brush is a fixed component of a cartridge which provides a supply of the fluid and which can be inserted into and removed again from the applicator chamber intended for this purpose, preferably without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GEKA GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hartstock-Martin
  • Patent number: 9415197
    Abstract: Described herein are implantable composites, kits comprising the composites, implant devices comprising the composites, and methods of making and using same, including point of use methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Tice
  • Patent number: 9351816
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Dignity Health
    Inventors: Virginia Prendergast, Cynthia Kleiman
  • Patent number: 9351804
    Abstract: Provided is a needle unit for endodontic treatment, including a needle bent at predetermined angle; a needle unit body where the needle is rotatably mounted; and an inserter for pressing the needle to fix the needle to the needle unit body. The present invention provides an optimal needle for efficiently realizing a needle unit for endodontic treatment. To be specific, the needle unit can be easily used by an operator because a needle bent at a predetermined angle is rotatably mounted on a needle unit body. Also, a diffuser portion is provided at a proximal end of the needle and pressed by an inserter so that the needle is fixed at a constant pressure. Hence, the needle is not fixed too loosely or too tightly to an extent that much force is required to rotate the needle, so that the operator can easily rotate the needle in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: In-Whan Lee
  • Patent number: 9198841
    Abstract: A tooth whitening system is provided. The tooth whitening system includes a carrier, first and second substrates, and first and second tooth whitening compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Albert Sagel, Hooman Shahidi
  • Patent number: 9121836
    Abstract: An oral aroma sampling device includes a mouthpiece which defines an in-mouth surface and an external surface, the in-mouth surface bearing a delivery conduit, and the external surface bearing a manifold in communication with the delivery conduit, the manifold bearing a plurality of capillaries, each of which capillary is the conduit for an aroma substance, the mouthpiece additionally comprising a breathing conduit passing from the external surface to the in-mouth surface. The device is useful as part of a retronasal testing apparatus, which allows a large variety of flavor combinations to be tested quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Givaudan S.A.
    Inventors: Christopher Todd Simons, Joseph Andrew Kaiser, Matthew Charles Burland, Mark Thirston Yates
  • Patent number: 9072573
    Abstract: A dental syringe may include a replaceable valve cartridge containing one or more valves. The valves may include air and water valves using a seating surface and an opposing seating surface with a relative angle formed between the two surfaces. The relative angle allows for regulation of the flow of fluid traveling through the valves. The replaceable valve cartridge may also include a system to remove a residual liquid from a tip of a dental syringe. Additionally, the replaceable valve cartridge may include a seal that prevents bleed-over of fluids within a dental syringe through use of first and second rings of elastic portions of the seal with a low pressure zone defined in between. Further, the dental syringe may include a tip retention insert which may be replaceable and may use either a pair of plates or a plurality of ball bearings to retain the dental syringe tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dental Components LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Klecker, Troy A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150147717
    Abstract: An oral irrigator including a handle through which fluid flows to a tip. Fluid flows to the tip during irrigate mode, and fluid flow may be interrupted by selecting a pause mode. The handle includes a mechanically controlled actuator for selecting the pause mode. The actuator may include a rack gear operably connected to a pinion gear formed on a valve spool inside the handle. The valve spool may include a ball that blocks fluid flow to the tip during pause mode but not during irrigate mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Harold A. Luettgen, Jeremy James Johnson
  • Patent number: 9039642
    Abstract: A structure for separating a discharge nozzle of an oral irrigator includes a first discharge path formed in one side of the irrigator body, a water pressure control lever rotatably arranged above the first discharge path and having a second discharge path in the other side of the irrigator body, a release button section provided on an upper portion of the water pressure control lever and into which the discharge nozzle is inserted and engaged, and configured, when pushed, to be bent so as to release the engaged discharge nozzle, and a locking section provided in the release button section and water pressure control lever to control a pushing operation of the release button section depending upon whether the first discharge path is open or blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Young Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20150140503
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Mehrzad Khakpour
  • Publication number: 20150132711
    Abstract: A plasma treatment device comprises a body portion housing a battery, a gas cylinder, a power supply circuit and a plasma generator comprising a pair of electrodes. The device includes a detachable applicator portion and an elongate duct extending from the generator to convey generated plasma to an outlet of the duct and for directing a plasma plume formed at the outlet onto a treatment area. An annular electrode is disposed at the duct outlet and is connected to the power supply circuit via an elongate electrical conductor. The annular electrode conducts electrons in the plasma away from the plasma plume to avoid sensation caused by resultant current flow. A circuit may be provided to measure the current flow from the annular electrode, the circuit allowing adjustment of the power supplied to the pair of electrodes based on the measured current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Rodney Stewart Mason
  • Publication number: 20150125810
    Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device comprises at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device comprises a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Colldent Y.A. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aharon JODAIKIN, Hilary JODAIKIN
  • Patent number: 9022961
    Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, II, Justin E. McDonough
  • Patent number: 9022960
    Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, II, Justin E. McDonough
  • Publication number: 20150118643
    Abstract: A combination which augments and renders a forceful water stream apparatus an effective antibacterial device using only ordinary tap water. A micro-bubble generator is configured as an addition to the water stream apparatus so that the water stream comprises a large number of micro-bubbles. The micro-bubble generator produces air bubbles having diameters in the range of about 20 ?m to about 50 ?m. The small bubble diameter provides a high density and large number of micro-bubbles which produce many negative ions causing minute foreign particles to adsorb to the micro-bubbles and also creates a slightly alkali effect which also promotes sterilization. The micro-bubbles promote penetration into small periodontal and periimplant pockets where an ordinary water stream could not penetrate. Moreover, the ionization effect of high density micro-bubble water provides a germicidal effect which kills bacteria hidden in such pockets and in the gingival sulcus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Andree Myongson Lee
  • Patent number: 8986005
    Abstract: An oral care device is described for contacting or transferring a dental composition to the hard or soft surfaces of the teeth comprising a backing layer and a discontinuous pattern of a dentally therapeutic composition. A method of using said oral care device to effectuate an aesthetic or therapeutic treatment is also described, whereby the oral care device is placed against the surface of at least one oral cavity structure, the discontinuous pattern of dentally therapeutic composition is contacted with or transferred to said structure. The backing layer may be left in place during the treatment period, or optionally removed from the oral cavity while leaving the therapeutic composition in contact with the target structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Discus Dental, LLC
    Inventor: R. Eric Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20150072300
    Abstract: An oral care system for cleaning teeth and gums includes a housing, an oral hygiene unit, and a gooseneck arm attached to the housing and releasably coupling the oral hygiene unit to the housing, the gooseneck arm being adjustable to hold the oral hygiene unit at a defined position and orientation relative to the housing. The oral hygiene unit has a mouthpiece having at least one arcuate channel adapted to receive and surround the teeth. The mouthpiece includes at least two modalities chosen from a group consisting of a mechanical modality, an iontophoretic modality, and a disinfection modality, wherein the mechanical modality brushes the teeth and gums and dislodges food debris, the iontophoretic modality breaks up plaque buildup, and the disinfection modality removes the food debris and plaque. The oral care system includes a control unit which controls transmission of the modalities and tracks utilization of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen H. Wolpo
  • Publication number: 20150072303
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth. The embodiment includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. The pump may be secured within the cavity by at least one vibration reduction mount. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue. The base may include a plurality of footings that elevate the base unit above a surface supporting the base unit. Also, the base may include a basin for receiving a reservoir. The basin may include a reservoir valve initially biased to a closed position and operationally attached to the reservoir, and a tube projection connected to the base unit and opening the valve when the reservoir is received within the basin. The basin and the reservoir are configured to guide the reservoir valve adjacent to the tube projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Brian BOYD, Brian R. WILLIAMS, Kurt M. TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20150056569
    Abstract: A method and a dental implant system for accessing selected intra-cavity locations there-through that includes: (a) a dental implant having a plurality of openings configured for being implanted in an intra-cavity area of a patient, wherein each one of the plurality of openings allows access from an external area of the dental implant to a space in the intra-cavity area between the implant and a jawbone of the patient, when the dental implant is installed in the intra cavity; and (b) one or more directing element that is removably securable to the dental implant, wherein the directing element includes openings and is configured to allow access to one or more specific locations at this space through a selected at least one of the plurality of openings of the dental implant, when secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: David Regev, Moshe J. Weinberg, Ruth Weinberg, David Polak, Yosef Rubinstein
  • Publication number: 20150056570
    Abstract: An apparatus for oral hygiene includes a compartment which is adapted to store a cleaning fluid in a pressurized state. The compartment has a pressure sustaining mechanism which is manually operated, and is capable of maintaining the cleaning fluid in the pressurized state. Further, the apparatus includes a detachable delivery assembly which is operationally coupled to the compartment. The detachable delivery assembly is capable of being operated by a user for controllably ejecting the pressurized cleaning fluid at a high velocity from the compartment. The ejected cleaning fluid is capable of being used by the user for providing oral hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Sudhanshu Kansal
  • Publication number: 20150050613
    Abstract: A dental syringe tip system for attachment to a dental syringe. The dental syringe tip system can include components such as an outer core, an inner core, and a carrier which can be combined in a multitude of combinations to achieve different fluid flow characteristics, such as discharge pressure and discharge pattern, through the dental syringe tip. The outer core and inner core can have passages designed to modify fluid flow characteristics. In addition, the outer core and inner core can have additional connectors for receiving fluids from sources other than a dental syringe. Some or all of the components can be separate to be assembled by a manufacturer or an end-user. Assembly of multiple components can be facilitated by retention features located on the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Donovan Winston Berkely
  • Publication number: 20150010882
    Abstract: A dental treatment system can include a console, a tooth coupler, and an interface member that provides at least one of fluidic, electrical, mechanical, and data communication between the tooth coupler and the console. The tooth coupler (which may comprise a handpiece or a treatment cap) can act as a working end of the system to administer a suitable treatment procedure, such as a cleaning procedure, an obturation procedure, a restoration procedure, etc. The tooth coupler can removably engage the interface member such that the clinician can easily engage and disengage the tooth coupler and interface member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SONENDO, INC.
    Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Mehrzad Khakpour, Jennifer Chen, Alexis Dechelette
  • Publication number: 20150004559
    Abstract: An irrigating device including a massage mode module in communication with a motor driving a pump. During a normal mode the pump has a first pulse rate and during massage mode the massage mode module provides a massage control signal to the motor to cause the pump to have a second pulse rate. In other embodiments, the disclosure includes an oral irrigator including a base and a reservoir removably connected to the base. The oral irrigator further includes a prow operably connected to the base and extending vertically upwards from the base. The prow may extend in a similar direction as sidewalls of the reservoir. The oral irrigator further includes a lid rotatably connected to the prow. The lid rotates between a first position where a fluid cavity of the reservoir is exposed to a second position where the lid covers at least a portion of the fluid cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Kurt M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8920168
    Abstract: An oral care implement has a head portion with tooth cleaning elements on one surface thereof and a reservoir containing at least one active agent. A capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver active agent(s) to one or more outlets. In one aspect, a vibration-producing device is provided to vibrate at least a portion of the implement to enhance the function of tooth cleaning elements and the delivery of the active agent through capillary action. A variety of active agents can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas J. Boyd, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Bruce M. Russell
  • Publication number: 20140349248
    Abstract: A multiuse programmable dental device that allows the user to selectively program various fluid delivery regimens and methods of using and programming the irrigator device. The irrigator may also be operated manually, as desired by the operator. Other features, such as selective delivery of various fluids, monitoring fluids levels of the system, and the capability to store previously used regimens within the systems memory, are found in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, Wesley Day
  • Publication number: 20140349246
    Abstract: An appliance body which includes a fluid delivery system providing a fluid flow to the appliance body and an exit for the fluid. A cavitation assembly is responsive to the fluid flow, and includes a constriction or obstruction member, wherein the flow rate to and through the cavitation assembly and the flow velocity and other factors results in a cavitation number in the range of 0.1 to 6, so that hydrodynamic cavitation is produced at the exit of the appliance for delivery to a treatment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bethany Joyce Johnson, Tyler G. Kloster, Johannes Willem Tack
  • Patent number: 8888727
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. The pump may be secured within the cavity by at least one vibration reduction mount. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue. The base may include a plurality of footings that elevate the base unit above a surface supporting the base unit. Also, the base may include a basin for receiving a reservoir. The basin may include a reservoir valve initially biased to a closed position and operationally attached to the reservoir, and a tube projection connected to the base unit and opening the valve when the reservoir is received within the basin. The basin and the reservoir are configured to guide the reservoir valve adjacent to the tube projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Boyd, Brian R. Williams, Kurt M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8882501
    Abstract: A dental handpiece where the chip air line is selectively switched to the ON-state for using both water and chip air, and to the OFF-state for using only water. The dental handpiece has a switching valve between the circumferential chip air channel and the chip air line in the handpiece body for selectively allowing and preventing communication. Opening the valve switches the communication to the ON-state in which chip air is allowed to pass from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line. Closing the valve switches the communication to an OFF-state in which chip air is prevented from passing from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nakanishi Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Masanori Mizunuma, Keita Yokochi
  • Patent number: 8882502
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Rüdiger Hampe, Christoph Schulte, Michael Knee, Andreas Maurer
  • Publication number: 20140329192
    Abstract: A dental device is provided in which the dental device comprises electronic components for ornamental functionality as well as orthodontic functionality. The dental device comprises components for light, sound, and video display for patients with braces, or for recreational users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Lucie R. Kaskoun, Kenneth Kaskoun
  • Publication number: 20140272782
    Abstract: An irrigating device, such as an oral irrigator or a nasal irrigator. The irrigating device includes a pump and a motor connected to the pump and configured to selectively drive the pump. Additionally, the irrigating device includes a massage module in communication with the motor. During a normal mode, the pump has a first pulse rate and during a massage mode, the massage module provides a massage control signal to the motor, causing the pump to have a second pulse rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gordon Haszier
  • Patent number: 8827700
    Abstract: The sprayhead device includes a housing (60) having an orifice plate (62) therein with at least one orifice opening (64) therethrough. A liquid line (36) delivers liquid to the sprayhead, where it proceeds through the orifice opening, wherein the liquid flow rate through the orifice and the liquid pressure are sufficiently great relative to the size of the orifice that the liquid moves through the orifice as a continuous stream. Gas is delivered to the housing and gas flows to the interior of the sprayhead through at least two openings (68) in the housing. The gas streams (flows) intercept the liquid flow perpendicularly, approximately 180° apart. The velocity of the gas flows is sufficient to break up the liquid stream from the orifice into a spray of droplets of desired size and velocity, accelerating them out of an acceleration duct (66) exit portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Alexandra Kulas, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Jasper Zuidervaart
  • Patent number: 8821160
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nano bubble generating nozzle including: a passage passing through an interior thereof to provide a flow path through which liquid flows; a nano bubble generating part corresponding to a part of the passage, and formed such that a cross-section of the nano bubble generating part becomes small and then large again along a flow path of liquid so that the nano bubble generating part has a pressure lower than an external pressure of the nozzle body; and a gas inlet formed in the nozzle body, and connected to the nano bubble generating part so that gas is introduced into the nano bubble generating part due to a difference between an external pressure of the nozzle body and a pressure in the nano bubble generating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeng Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8813291
    Abstract: An oral care implement is disclosed comprising: an oral care region having cleaning elements; a body coupled to the oral care region; a gas outlet operably coupled to a gas source, the gas outlet disposed in the oral care region; an oral care material source storing an oral care material; an oral care material outlet operably coupled to the oral care material source, the oral care material outlet disposed in the oral care region; and wherein the oral care material outlet is spaced apart from the gas outlet. In another aspect, an oral care implement is disclosed comprising an oral care region having an elastomeric tooth cleaning element and an air outlet positioned adjacent the air outlet so that an air stream existing the air outlet causes a dynamic vibratory flexing action of at least a portion of the elastomeric tooth cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez, Steve Sorrel, Philip Durocher, Bruce Russell, Thomas Boyd
  • Patent number: 8814571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T?) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dentsply Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Naim Karazivan
  • Patent number: 8808209
    Abstract: An irrigator handle to be used with a water jet apparatus for cleaning gums and teeth includes a visual indicator to let a user know when a tip has been properly attached to the handle. The handle in some embodiments also includes an audible indicator to let the user know when the tip has been properly attached. The handle has a pause button attached to plunger to restrict water flow when the pause button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Boyd, Brian R. Williams, Kurt M. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140227659
    Abstract: An oral irrigator including a fluid reservoir, a pumping assembly, a pressure control assembly, and a nozzle. The pumping assembly comprises a power source, a motor in electrical communication with the power source, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir. The pressure control assembly is in fluid communication with the pump; mechanically varies a pressure of a fluid exiting the nozzle to change the outlet pressure of the oral irrigator a high pressure to a low pressure and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: WATER PIK, INC.
    Inventors: Brenda Lee Thomas, Kurt Michael Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140227657
    Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding the whitening of teeth. The device includes a mouthpiece suitable for implementing a dental treatment, wherein the mouthpiece includes one or more stock dental cover layers suitable for forming a treatment cavity having a vacuum, wherein the dental cover layers includes a layer over the upper teeth and/or a layer over the lower teeth; and one or more treatment supply layers wherein the treatment supply layer has one or more flow channel in fluid communication with the treatment cavity so that the treatment supply layer can deliver and/or remove one or more treatment fluids from the treatment cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Sanders
  • Publication number: 20140212833
    Abstract: A coupling device for detachably connecting a medical or dental instrument to a drive unit or a supply hose for transfer of at least one of data, energy, a driving movement and a working medium between the drive unit or the supply hose and the instrument comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element. One of the coupling elements comprises a coupling recess and the other comprises a coupling protrusion insertible therein. One of the coupling elements comprises a positioning element and the other comprises an indentation into which the positioning element can be inserted to position the coupling elements in a defined angular position about a shared axis. One of the coupling elements comprises a memory unit for storage of data and the other comprises a transfer unit, so that data can be transferred from the memory unit by the transfer unit to the other coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mangelberger, Christof Baier, Wolfgang Tannebaum
  • Patent number: 8784106
    Abstract: A dental preparation delivery system includes a soft malleable wax sealing strip bonded to a wax base strip. The peripheral outline of a model dentition extends into the thickness of the sealing strip to form a receptacle. A border of the sealing strip completely surrounds the outline. The receptacle is filled with a dental preparation to be administered and the sealing strip is overlaid with a film. In use, the film is removed, the system is bent to an arch shape and the outline is registered with the user's buccal dentition. Lateral force is applied in a lingual direction against the base strip to reshape the sealing strip for sealing contact of the border against the periphery of the user's buccal dentition, while leaving the preparation in contact with remaining buccal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Eugene C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8758010
    Abstract: A dental clinical apparatus having a function which conventional instruments for dental treatment have not had and having a novel constitution. The dental clinical apparatus includes a syringe which has a fluid jetting system for dental treatment and a plasma jet applying means for producing a plasma jet from the end by allowing a low-frequency high-voltage power supply to apply a low-frequency high voltage between electrodes on the outer peripheral surface of a rare gas tube through which a rare gas having a low dielectric breakdown voltage under the atmospheric pressure is flowed, and thereby causing electrical discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Yoshida Creation Inc., Osaka University, Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture
    Inventors: Michizo Yamanaka, Tsuneo Kawahara, Katsuhisa Kitano, Satoshi Ikawa
  • Publication number: 20140170588
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental laser-emitting device capable of treating both soft tissue applications and hard tissue applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: ALAN MILLER, BART WACLAWIK, WILLIAM S. PARKER
  • Publication number: 20140170593
    Abstract: Adhesive patches for non-invasive pain relief comprising a molded backing layer including first and second well portions. An adhesive composition (e.g., chitosan derived) is disposed within the first well composition, and a skin penetrating anesthetic composition is disposed within the second well portion. The first well portion surrounds the perimeter of the second well portion, creating a barrier to prevent or minimize migration of the anesthetic composition outside the perimeter of the second well portion, targeting delivery to the desired site. The skin penetrating anesthetic composition includes a skin penetrating carrier (e.g., DMSO with small fractions of water and ethanol), a primary adhesive component (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose) to render the anesthetic composition sticky to the person's tissue, and at least one anesthetic component (e.g., -caine based components). Where two anesthetic components are included, one may act more rapidly to anesthetize pain than the first anesthetic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Oltuse, LLC
    Inventors: D. Olin Beck, Daniel T. Garner, Jeffery V. Gubler, Dennis J. Blume
  • Patent number: 8753116
    Abstract: An improved dental hygiene device for wearing in the mouth over the teeth and along gums has a flexible open-support structure. The flexible open-support structure has two opposing facing bases, an inner base and an outer base. Each base extends the length of the device and has a curvature to fit over the teeth and along gums of a wearer of the device. The inner base fits between teeth and the tongue, while the outer base fits between the teeth and the cheeks and lips region of the mouth. A plurality of arch-shaped ribs extends from the inner base over to the outer base joining the two bases to form the flexible open-support structure. The support structure has a means for receiving and holding a cream or paste and delivering the cream or paste to the teeth and gums. The cream or paste is automatically wetted by the production of saliva allowing the cream or paste to wick and migrate into the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Puthalath Koroth Raghuprasad
  • Publication number: 20140154639
    Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
    Inventors: Justin McDonough, Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, III, Curt Binner, Megha Reddy