Patents Examined by Cary E. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7399182
    Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing dental bite planes in relation to the relative vertical and horizontal planes of a patient's face and head. A U-shaped bite fork, which can be held by the patient's teeth or gums, may be attached to a connection system that attaches to adjustable orientation rods that may be aligned to the vertical and horizontal planes of the patient's face and head. Once the orientation rods are correctly adjusted, the orientation rods may be may be locked into place to preserve the orientation of the patient's bite plane relative to the facial reference planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Juan Olivier
  • Patent number: 7396328
    Abstract: A retractor configured for anchorage to the acetabular area of the hip bone via a bendable pin, such that the bent pin retains the retractor in a selected position. The retractor includes a site anchor portion, with a spacer portion extending upward from a leading end of the site anchor portion. At least one retainer track is affixed to the spacer portion, the track being configured to closely receive the bendable pin. The leading end of the site anchor portion is preferably angled and serrated. The site anchor portion preferably has a curved configuration for use in resting the leading end of the site anchor portion substantially along an outer portion of a rim of the acetabulum. The retractor may be provided with an extension portion. The extension portion is preferably angled and serrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad L. Penenberg
  • Patent number: 7396232
    Abstract: Devices and methods for gradual displacing of the soft tissues covering bones. The gap developing between the bone and the displaced soft tissue will be filled with bone callus as it is in distraction osteogenesis. The devices and methods allow formation of bone in distraction osteogenesis without cutting a segment of the bone. The devices and methods are particularly useful in dental implantology for vertical ridge augmentation by displacing the periosteal tissue and for sinus lift by displacing the Schneiderian membrane. The devices and methods can also regenerate soft tissue between the bone and the displaced soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Ophir Fromovich, Benzion Karmon
  • Patent number: 7393209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a computer readable medium comprising one or more programs for carrying out a method for determining a patient's tooth shade. The method generally includes the steps of generating an image of a patient's tooth wherein the image includes color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of a plurality of tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the image with the stored tooth shade color information to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color that corresponds to the patient's tooth shade, and the color information that is obtained may be displayed to identify one or more tooth shades having a combined color corresponding to the determined tooth color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Shade Analyzing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Maryann Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7393322
    Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes a liner base and an access housing for positioning outside the body. The liner base includes an inner member adapted for insertion through an opening within body tissue for positioning within the body; a sleeve member connected to the inner member and dimensioned to extend from the inner member through the opening within the body tissue, and a plurality of tensioning elements connected to the inner member and associated with the sleeve member to impart a tensioning effect on the sleeve member. The access housing includes a first element and a second element. The second element is operatively connected to the tensioning elements and adapted for rotational movement relative to the first member to cause the tensioning elements to displace the inner member toward the access housing and to cause the sleeve member to engage and retract tissue defining the opening within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Thomas Wenchell
  • Patent number: 7393211
    Abstract: A dental computer analyzer including a housing to be placed over a tooth, a first camera mounted in the housing, a first transmission line connected to the first camera for transmitting signals from the first camera representative of an image of the tooth in the housing, a central processing unit connected to the first transmission line for receipt of the signals representative of the image of the tooth, a crown die, a second camera for capturing an image of the crown die, and a second transmission line connected to the second camera for transmitting signals from the second camera to the central processing unit representative of the image of the crown die. The central processing unit includes a comparator for comparing the image of the tooth and the image of the crown die. A monitor is connected to the central processing unit for viewing the images of the tooth and the crown die. The comparator feeds superimposed images of the tooth and the crown die to the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Harper Ben Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7390298
    Abstract: An expandable surgical retractor for use in minimal incision surgery is disclosed. The retractor consists of a fiber optic central rod surrounded by flexible wires designed to create an open space for visualization and surgical work within an illuminated surgical field. The flexible wires are disposed via selective pressure of the surgeon and are variable in number. The configuration will allow for both forward and back illumination of the surgical field. The expandable surgical retractor allows for surgical visualization in anatomical areas heretofore too complicated for surgical consideration. Other embodiments of the expandable surgical retractor are contemplated wherein a handle with an aperture may replace the central rod. The flexible wires may fit in openings around the aperture. The handle, in this embodiment, may have a light source and may be adapted to be used in select areas of anatomy. Further, the handle may be transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: City of Hope
    Inventor: David Z. J. Chu
  • Patent number: 7384392
    Abstract: A surgical instrument to manipulate a patient's tissues, comprising a handle, a first blade, a second blade, and a blade actuator, and may further comprise a light and a power source. The first blade and the second blade each extend from the handle. The second blade is divided into at least two segments. The segments are each pivotable in relation to each other along a common axis. Movement of the blade actuator causes the segments of the second blade to pivot radially toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ardeshir Bayat
  • Patent number: 7384393
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum having a universal connection between the handle and each of a plurality of blades, for selectively detaching and attaching one or more of the blades at any one of a plurality of angles between the handle axis and the blade axis. Preferably, the vaginal speculum is part of a kit having a plurality of elongated blades adapted to penetrate and fully enter a vagina while providing surgical access, each being interchangeably connectable to the handle, thereby providing a variety of options for blade length, blade width, or blade contour to better fit the vaginal structure of a particular patient. Each blade is made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, that is disposable after each use. The handle is preferably made of heavy metal, with a permanent plastic sheath or coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: William P. Guinan
  • Patent number: 7381054
    Abstract: A denture remover includes an elongated, hollow shaft having a lower end and an upper end with an angled portion at the upper end. A suction cup is attached to a distal end of the angled portion. A vacuum release tube extends from the suction cup to an air port within the shaft interior having a spring-biased valve normally positioned therein. A handle is slidably mounted on the shaft and is fastened to the valve. A denture is removed by fastening the suction cup thereto in a conventional fashion. A user simply grasps the handle and pulls the attached denture from the wearer's mouth. To release the denture, a user slides the handle to remove the valve from the port allowing air flow to the suction cup aperture thereby eliminating the vacuum created by the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Michiko Taira Polanowski
  • Patent number: 7377898
    Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C Ewers, John R Brustad, Edward D Pingleton, Nabil Hilal, Payam Adlparvar, Scott V Taylor, Gary R Dulak, Michael J Dunn, Norman L Morales, Charles C Hart, Robert R Bowes
  • Patent number: 7374534
    Abstract: A retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient which includes an elongate retractor tube composed of circumferentially arranged elongate independent tube segments with proximal ends of the tube segments respectively hinged to a unitary collar whereby the distal ends of the tube segments may be outwardly expanded in umbrella fashion by outwardly pivoting the segments about their respective hinges for thereby retracting surrounding tissue. The distal end of the retractor tube is provided with a tapered distal end suitably dimensioned for insertion into a stab incision. An internally open expansion collet is coaxially received in the collar for adjustable coaxial advancement downwardly into the collar toward the retractor tube segments and fulcrum tabs protrude inwardly and upwardly towards the expansion collet from each tube segment adjacent a respective hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Brian E. Dalton
  • Patent number: 7371212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vaginal speculum comprising two spoon blades, which are intended for insertion into the vagina, and which are elongated and are located along side and opposite one another;—are mutually hinging in a clamped plane and through the longitudinal direction between a closed and open position; in which a handle is provided with operating means, in which the speculum is constructed in modular fashion with a first and a second module, the first module comprising the spoon blades, and the second module comprising the handle, and in which—the speculum further comprises transmission means that connect the operating means to the spoon blades, for opening and/or closing the spoon blades by means of the operating means; and in which—the speculum comprises connecting means, for connecting the first and second module together is a disconnectable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Comfortpat B.V.
    Inventor: Bernard Wilhelm Geziena Nicolaas Klaassen
  • Patent number: 7364429
    Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing dental bite planes in relation to the relative vertical and horizontal planes of a patient's face and head. A U-shaped bite fork, which can be held by the patient's teeth or gums, may be attached to a connection system that attaches to adjustable orientation rods that may be aligned to the vertical and horizontal planes of the patient's face and head. The generally perpendicular orientation rods may be used separately or locked together to form a combined unit. Once the orientation rods are correctly adjusted, the orientation rods may be may be locked into place to preserve the orientation of the patient's bite plane relative to the facial reference planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Juan Olivier
  • Patent number: 7361020
    Abstract: A method to create a digital model of a patient's teeth includes taking an impression of the patient's teeth using a radiopaque dental tray; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a dental tray containing a radiopaque agent; scanning the impression and the dental tray using a radiographic source; and generating the digital model with scanned data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Abolfathi, Loc X. Phan, Robert E. Tricca
  • Patent number: 7357637
    Abstract: An appliance fabricated to improve the appearance of a patient's smile includes a plurality of simulated teeth. The interior surfaces of each of the teeth closely fits and conforms to the surface of a patient's real teeth while the outer surfaces of each of the simulated teeth has an ideal surface configuration. The dental appliance provides the patient with the appearance of a perfect set of teeth and an ideal smile without a need to alter the dental structure of the patient's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Snap On Smile LLC
    Inventor: M. Marc Liechtung
  • Patent number: 7357633
    Abstract: The invention relates to the medicine, in particularly, in orthodontics, and can be used during the correction of the form of upper jaw, namely, dental, alveolar and basal arches. The task of the group of inventions is to ensure increased functionalities of the devices for correction of the form of upper jaw, namely, dental alveolar and basal arches. The group of inventions has fastening elements, which are fastened on teeth of dentition's lateral segments and executed in the form of metal wireframes clasping teeth of dentition's lateral segments, and connected with two plates located on both sides of median palatine suture and connected with each other by the metal wire palatal power element or elements. In a first variant of the group of inventions, the plates are connected with the fastening elements through springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mayadontics, LLC
    Inventor: Pavel D. Mailyan
  • Patent number: 7357635
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for changing the form of the jaw and facial bones of an adult patient that did not develop fully during childhood. The method utilizes a device having a plate body with an expansion screw that fits within the mouth of the patient; flap springs that project from the plate body, and an overlay extending from the plate body. The device is placed within the mouth of the patient so that the overlay is in a position between at least two opposing teeth. In this position, opposing teeth contact the overlay during function (e.g. swallowing). This intermittent, unilateral application of force to the facial bones causes these bones to further develop, positioning out of place teeth into more proper positions, and inducing a more symmetrical and enhanced appearance of the face, as well as increasing the airway space behind the jaws. Concomitantly, the flap springs gently press against selected teeth that are out of alignment in order to guide those teeth into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Orthovisage Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Belfor, Gurdev Dave Singh
  • Patent number: 7354269
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for the photo-polymerization of composite material, and is used in particular in the dental field. The inventive device comprises a light source (2) which is defined by an LED or a group of LEDs. It comprises electrical power supply means consisting of a battery (4) which is associated with a direct current/direct current converter device (7) commonly known as a DC/DC converter, passive means (3) for the evacuation of heat, and a central management unit (5) for operating parameters of the light source for the definition of a determined photo-polymerization energy profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Satelec- Societe Pourlla-Conception des Applications des Techniques Electroniques
    Inventors: François Duret, Hervé Noui, Jean-Michel Decaudin
  • Patent number: 7351060
    Abstract: The invention relates to an abutment for dental implant. The abutment of the invention comprises: a post portion, a central portion, a head portion and at least one first portion. The post portion extends along a longitudinal axis. The central portion is formed on the post portion, and has a middle section and a peripheral section. The head portion is formed on the middle section of the central portion, and extends upwardly along the longitudinal axis. The first portion is formed on the peripheral section of the central portion, and extends upwardly along at least one first direction with a first angle corresponding to the longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the abutment can provide greater metal support and interlocking engagement for a posterior crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ho Chih-Chung