Patents Assigned to Dentsply Research & Development Corp
  • Dental composition, prosthesis, and method for making dental prosthesis
    Patent number: 5502087
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis includes polymeric material formed by heat curing a polymerizable composition having at least 5 percent by weight of at least one polymerizable Monomer having at least one acrylic moiety and a gram molecular weight of at least 200. The polymeric material is preferably formed by heat curing and has an unnotched Izod impact strength of at least 2.5 and more preferably at least 3.0 ft.lb/in as measured by a Modified ASTM D256, and a flexural fatigue life of at least 20,000 flexes to failure at 0.1 inch deflection. Preferably the polymerizable monomer has a vapor pressure less than 5 mm Hg at 23.degree. C. A method of making a denture is provided which includes molding and polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form a denture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Louis H. Tateosian, Scott E. Shaffer, Mark A. Latta
  • Dental porcelain shading method
    Patent number: 5482732
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of porcelain dental restorations. First, second and third powders are provided in labeled containers. The first powder has a lightness value (L.sub.1) when formed into a least porcelain layer. The second powder has lightness value (L.sub.2) when formed into a less opaque ceramic layer. The third powder has a lightness value (L.sub.3) when formed into most opaque ceramic layer. The third lightness value is greater than the second lightness value, which is greater than the first lightness value. The lightness value lightness value (L.sub.1) are less than 2.5 CIE L*a*b units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: Carolyn M. Kramer
  • Denture curing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5477054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for curing light curable material using unfiltered light. A vented housing encloses a single lamp filament light source which emits visible light. The light source is positioned above and to the side of the light curable material which is supported on a rotating table during light curing. Light incident to the surface of the light curable material is at least about 50 milliwatts per square centimeter. The light curable material has a surface temperature of at least 150.degree. F. (65.6.degree. C.) after 2 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Louis H. Tateosian, Duane E. Barber
  • Method of making a tooth mold
    Patent number: 5452219
    Abstract: A method for the making of a tooth mold which includes the steps of scanning the surface of a model of a tooth to obtain data on the three-dimensional surface locations of the model, processing the data in a CAD/CAM computer, and using the processed data to fabricate a tooth mold. The scanning step involves subjecting a rotating tooth model to radiant energy from a laser beam, receiving and translating reflections of the radiant energy into electronic signals, and digitizing the signals into data of the three-dimensional surface locations of the tooth model. The processing step involves translating the data, editing the data, creating a three-dimensional surface pattern of the tooth model, evaluating the surface pattern by visual analysis and comparison to known geometric values of the tooth model, and creating a tooth path program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Barry D. Dehoff, Carlton L. Grim, Andrew T. C. Liu, Jeffrey E. McGraw
  • Method of subgingival scaling and lavage
    Patent number: 5419703
    Abstract: An insert for use in an apparatus for scaling of teeth and lavage of the gingival sulcus is provided. The insert comprises a tip for scaling and delivery of lavage fluids, retaining means for retaining the scaling tip in the insert, and a path means for delivering irrigant for scaling or for lavage through the insert and to the end of the scaling tip. The scaling tip is shaped and dimensioned for scaling and lavage below the gumline in periodontal pockets. When a magnetostrictive insert is used, an outlet means is provided to remove stack cooling water from the insert so that stack cooling water does not enter a patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: George E. Warrin, Rene J. Perdreaux
  • Sterilizable dental medical handpiece containing electric coil
    Patent number: 5395240
    Abstract: An ultrasonic handpiece wherein the entire assembled handpiece may be sterilized with an ingress of the sterilizing fluid into the interior of the handpiece. The handpiece is formed with an elongated housing sleeve and a coil unit for establishing an alternating magnetic field located therein. The housing sleeve and coil unit is assembled such that crevices are formed between the ends of the housing sleeve and coil unit, thus allowing steam, chemicals and heat to pass in and out of the interior of the handpiece for more rapid and thorough sterilizing of the handpiece. Further, the coil unit is not potted to the housing sleeve in order to allow for different thermal coefficients of expansion between materials without the buildup of undue stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Richard H. Paschke, Marty I. Septimus, George E. Warrin, Michael P. Parr
  • Dental image formation and organosiloxane
    Patent number: 5387105
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present application is a method of curing a dental impression material by passing actinic light through a tray while the tray is in contact with the impression making composition, a new dental impression composition that is polymerizable by having an initiator activated by actinic light within the visible light range of 360 to 600 nanometers, a new composition of matter that is a compound having at least two terminal acrylate unsaturations and an organosilicone containing backbone and a new method of forming dental prosthetics by directly forming against the soft tissue of the oral cavity and then setting with visible light curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Emery W. Dougherty, Wu-Lan Wang
  • Polishing element
    Patent number: 5369916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polishing element for use in a system and apparatus and a method for finishing and polishing a dental composite restorative material in a tooth. The system of the invention uses an elastomeric polymer disc which is impregnated with an abrasive for reduction of the composite, and an element for polishing the composite as well as the dental materials. A method of using the above apparatus in a finishing/polishing system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Steven R. Jefferies, Roy L. Smith, Russell D. Green
  • Dental implant wrench
    Patent number: 5368480
    Abstract: A low profile dental torque ratchet system is provided having a disposable breakaway color coded insert for holding a tool to be driven by a torsional ratchet wrench. Incorporated within the ratchet wrench is a driver that drives the tool until a preset torsional force shears the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Alan R. Balfour, Daniel R. Patrick
  • Dental composition and method
    Patent number: 5367002
    Abstract: The invention provides dental composite compositions formed by mixing a curable liquid composition with a powder in preselected proportions. The composite compositions formed are useful as cement, liner, base, restorative, pit and fissure sealants, and/or core build-up material, etc. having improved adhesion to dentin. These composite compositions include polyalkenoic acid, filler which provides elutable cations which are reactive with the polyalkenoic acid and fluoride ion, water to provide for elution of cations reactive with polyalkenoic acid, polymerizable monomer and/or prepolymer composition, unsaturated organic acid having 1 or more polymerizable groups and a catalyst system for polymerization. Optionally the composites include inert reinforcing filler for strength, aesthetics, and radiopacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Teh Huang, Paul D. Hammesfahr, Steven R. Jefferies
  • Dental composition and method
    Patent number: 5338773
    Abstract: The invention provides dental cement compositions and methods of using them for binding hard tooth material, metal and ceramic. The cement compositions include polymerizable acid reactive ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and a source of cations reactive therewith, to further crosslink the resulting polymer. The cements have superior adhesion to tooth without separately acid etching dentin or enamel. Compositions of are useful as dental luting cements, liners, bases and restoratives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Kewang Lu, Chin-Teh Huang, Paul Hammesfahr
  • Light curing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5316473
    Abstract: A light-curing apparatus for curing polymerizable material in the mouth is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a wand which is substantially the same size as a quadrant or a full dental arch; in a second embodiment, the apparatus is in the shape of a dental tray and is adapted to fit over the outside of a dental tray; and in a third embodiment the light source comprises a portion (substantially the frame) of a double arch impression tray, and has a slide mechanism by which the mesh of a double arch impression tray can be removed from the light source so the light source can be reused. The invention also comprises a method for curing a dental material in the mouth using the apparatus of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: Robert V. Hare
  • Radiopaque fluoride releasing VLC dental composites and the use of specific fillers therein
    Patent number: 5304586
    Abstract: One component, visible light-cured dental restorative compositions having fluoride release properties for the purpose of reducing the chances of secondary caries are provided. The compositions include inorganic particulate fluoride leachable glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Paul D. Hammesfahr, Paul S. Danielson, Robert C. Campbell
  • Denture curing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5298758
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for curing light curable material using unfiltered light. A vented housing encloses a single lamp filament light source which emits visible light. The light source is positioned above and to the side of the light curable material which is supported on a rotating table during light curing. Light incident to the surface of the light curable material is at least about 50 milliwatts per square centimeter. The light curable material has a surface temperature of at least 150.degree. F. (65.6.degree. C.) after 2 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Louis H. Tateosian, Duane E. Barber
  • Interpenetrating polymer network compositions employing rubber-modified polymers
    Patent number: 5210109
    Abstract: This invention provides hardenable compositions useful as construction media for a wide range of applications. Particular utility is found in the dental and medical arts where such compositions are highly suitable for the formation and construction of denture base, denture baseplates, denture liners, denture repair, custom trays, veneering for crowns and bridgework, artificial teeth, veneers and repair for natural teeth, and tooth restorative fillings. Such materials having improved impact strengths and elastic moduli when hardened are disclosed which include rubber-modified polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Louis H. Tateosian, W. Donald Wilson
  • Chain extended urethane diacrylate and dental impression formation
    Patent number: 5177120
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new urethane polyacrylate having at least one terminal isocyanato acrylic pendent radical. Preferably the molecular chain within the acrylate caps has been extended with a polyhydroxy compound just before final end capping with isocyanato acrylic. The isocyanato acrylic is preferably isocyanato ethyl methacrylate and the urethane is diisocyanate capped polyether and the polyether radical is oxyalkylene. The method for producing the urethane polyacrylate involves end capping a polyol with diisocyanate yielding a reaction product with two reactive equivalents of isocyanate and then capping less than all of the isocyanate with a hydroxyacrylate, after which the remaining isocyanate is reacted with polyol to provide chain extension. The chain extending polyol is then capped with a isocyanato acrylic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Pamela H. Hare, Paul D. Hammesfahr
  • Dental impression method with photocuring of impression material in light transmissive tray
    Patent number: 5137448
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present application is a method of curing a dental impression material by passing actinic light through a tray while the tray is in contact with the impression making composition, a new dental impression composition that is polymerizable by having an initiator activated by actinic light within the visible light range of 360 to 600 nanometers, a new composition of matter that is a compound having at least two terminal acrylate unsaturations and an organosilicone containing backbone and a new method of forming dental prosthetics by directly forming against the soft tissue of the oral cavity and then setting with visible light curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Emery W. Dougherty, Wu-Lan Wang
  • Finishing/polishing system
    Patent number: 5078754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and apparatus and a method for finishing and polishing a dental composite restorative material in a tooth. The system of the invention uses an elastomeric polymer disc which is impregnated with an abrasive for reducing of the composite, and a felt, suede, or elastomeric polymer foam element for polishing the composite. A method of using the above apparatus in a finishing/polishing system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Steven R. Jefferies, Roy L. Smith, Russell D. Green
  • Mixing and discharge capsule
    Patent number: RE33801
    Abstract: A combination mixing and discharge capsule for storing separate ingredients which are to be mixed together prior to use and including a container body for one ingredient closed at one end by a slidable piston and the opposite end being displaceably received in a cup-shaped cap which forms a second compartment with a perforated wall of the container body opposite the end containing the piston for receiving a frangible pillow containing a liquid second ingredient to be mixed with the ingredient in the body. The cap has a discharge nozzle extending axially therefrom and when the cap is displaced farther onto the body the innermost wall of the pillow is burst to cause the discharge of the liquid ingredient through the perforated wall end into the container body for mixing with the ingredient therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: Russell D. Green
  • Curing oven for photopolymerization
    Patent number: D337583
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Duane E. Barber, Eric A. Schneider, Edward A. Spector