Patents Examined by Cary E. Stone
  • Patent number: 5000199
    Abstract: An arrangement for applying a foam-type hair care medium, the arrangement having an element with a face having a central region and a plurality of projections extending from the face and spaced apart from each other, and a tubular body portion having at least one opening arranged substantially in the central region of the face of the element. The tubular body guides a foam-type hair care medium. The element with projections may be in the form of a brush with bristles or a comb with teeth. A foam dispenser formed as one piece on a disc member surrounded by a ring member may be added when mounted on an aerosol container containing the foam-type hair care medium to further guide the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Wella Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrea Kuranski, Wolfgang Villmann
  • Patent number: 5000685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spacer for dental implants of a bio-compatible material. The spacer includes an inner sleeve-shaped spacer element (4) of titanium which is part of a screw connection between an anchorage element (fixture) (1) implanted in the maxillary beneath the gingiva, and a dental prosthesis construction whose joint surface (11) is located above the gingiva and which is disposed to absorb the loading of the screw connection. The spacer further includes an outer spacer sleeve (12) of porcelain or ceramics which wholly or partly encloses the inner sleeve-like spacer element (4). The ceramic or porcelain sleeve may, by grinding and coating with porcelain of different colors, be caused to visually approximate a dental cervix and gingiva and, thereby, not contrast with the natural dental cervix color and gingival color to the same extent as does the titanium material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Nobelpharma AB
    Inventor: Izidor Brajnovic
  • Patent number: 5000684
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the supra and subgingival cleaning of teeth comprises and handle with a driving mechanism for reciprocally rotating a tapered cleaning tip about its longitudinal axis. A tuft or other scrubbing mechanism is provided on the outer circumference of the tip. The tip includes circumferentially disposed flutes which can be used to receive and dispense medication to the subgingival area. The tip is introduced into the gap between the gum and the tooth for scrubbing the outer surfaces of the tooth near and under the gum line. This effectively disrupts any bacteria plaque in these areas to clean the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald Odrich
  • Patent number: 5000686
    Abstract: A dental implant fixture of cylindrical cross-section has a diameter limited to not more than about 3 mm., for use in narrow jawbone ridges. The diameter of the fixture is smaller at its apical end than at its gingival end. Screw threads on the outer surface of the fixture are peak-limited to the locus of a cylinder of uniform diameter that is larger than the diameter of the fixture at its apical end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Implant Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Lazzara, Keith D. Beaty
  • Patent number: 5000687
    Abstract: A winged dental bridge includes a flexible bridge framework which is attachable to two abutment teeth, and a relatively hard veneer for placement over an exposed labial surface of the bridge framework. The bridge framework includes a pontic, a first wing extending laterally outwardly therefrom for attachment to a first abutment tooth, and a second wing for attachment to a second abutment tooth. The bridge framework is formed of a laminated resinous composite material including an etchable material which forms the labial surface of the pontic and attachment surfaces of the wings, and a polishable material which entirely covers the lingual surface of the etchable material. In a method for making the winged dental bridge, the uncured resinous composite structure is applied over a separator to a cast taken of the patient's mouth. The uncured bridge framework is light cured on the bridge in a pressurized nitrogen gas environment, and subsequently heat and light cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventors: Uriel Yarovesky, Daniel Materdomini
  • Patent number: 4997372
    Abstract: A magnetic dental retention appliance comprises a magnet containing subunit to be embedded in a denture, a magnetizable keeper subunit to be secured within the jaw structure of the patient for retaining the denture in the mouth, and a transmucosal insert to be implanted in the patient's jawbone for anchoring the keeper subunit to the patient's jaw; the transmucosal insert being formed of a material ideal for implantation and diverse from the requisite ferromagnetic material of the magnetizable keeper subunit; the insert being isolated from the keeper subunit by an interposed insulating member which effectively curtails or prevents corrosive galvanic action between the two, thereby facilitating use of the most ideal materials of construction for the subunits and the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: JS & R Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Shiner, Roger E. Rule
  • Patent number: 4997382
    Abstract: Handle is formed with the metal portion of a dental prosthesis so that the handle can be used for supporting and handling the metal structure from the mold to the final finishing, when the handle is cut off. The handle preferably has both a ring for supporting the structure on a post and a ball for grasping of the metal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Robert P. Berger
  • Patent number: 4997383
    Abstract: A dental implant is specifically designed to properly distribute the forces exerted on the bone by the implant and to foster optimum osteal and/or fibro-osteal integration of the implant with the bone, thereby to improve the quality and longevity of proper implant function. The shaping and location of various surfaces of the implant are specifically designed to minimize both under- and over-stressing of the bone which leads to failure, and to maximize the formation and advantageous functioning of a peri-implant ligament, direct bone apposition, or combinations thereof. Novel structure may be provided so that heads of different shapes and inclinations can be selectively used with the implant to meet the patient's individual physiologic requirements, while at the same time facilitating submerged healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignees: Oratronics, Inc, U.A.B. Research Foundation
    Inventors: Charles M. Weiss, Jack E. Lemons, Martha W. Bidez
  • Patent number: 4997367
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in restoration procedures for teeth. The apparatus includes a matrix having a facial portion extending between a pair of wings. The facial portion has an anatomically contoured inner surface which extends between a pair of corners. The wings of the matrix are affixed together by an adhesive strip. A tapered flange extends outwardly from the facial portion for insertion between the gingiva and tooth to permit introduction of restorative material in the gingival and/or subgingival area. The matrix is formed of clear material to permit viewing of the restorative material during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Larry I. Kassel
  • Patent number: 4997371
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying dental bonding agents to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a syringe-type dispenser for holding a quantity of bonding agent and an applicator tip having short bristles at one end. The applicator tip is curved to accommodate access to tooth surfaces undergoing restorative dental procedures. The short bristles are in communication with the syringe-type dispenser, thereby allowing the bonding agent to be continuously applied to the tooth surfaces without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator in a bonding agent source. The syringe-type applicator permits accurate control over the amount of bonding agent applied to the tooth surface. In this way, the tooth surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the bonding agent. Moreover, the short bristles permit the bonding agent to be applied to the tooth surface without damaging the fragile crystalline structure produced during acid etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4996997
    Abstract: An improved permanent waving process is disclosed. The improved waving process produces hair styles characterized as bouncier, more full bodied with an open/looser pattern of curls. Furthermore, the waving process of the invention provides for improved humectant properties that results in significantly less maintenance than is typically required when conventional waving processes are used. This waving process is a step-by-step procedure involving the addition of a rearranger, a wrapping lotion, and a neutralizer, in combination with intermittent rinsing. The improved quality and settability of the hair is believed to be attributable to a synergistic effect of an improved rearranging composition and an improved wrapping lotion. The rearranging composition comprises a homogenous mixture of a salt of thioglycolic acid and a homopolymer of methyacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amethyst Investment Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry W. Williams, Pamela M. Daniels
  • Patent number: 4995380
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis consists of a pair of inflatable penile implants which each having a cylindrical body which contains a hydraulic system including a pressure chamber, a reservoir for pressurizing fluid, and a pump for transferring fluid under pressure to the pressure chamber to make it rigid. Each implant also contains a longitudinally compressible, but radially incompressible bellows in the reservoir which expands when the reservoir is empty and prevents the reservoir wall from collapsing. In one embodiment, a tube extends from the pump in the tip to the reservoir at the rear through the pressure chamber and there is a restricted orifice through which fluid can bleed back into the reservoir from the pressure chamber thus automatically controlling the length of time that the pressure chamber is pressurized and rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Medical Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Maerzke, Robert E. Trick
  • Patent number: 4995810
    Abstract: A tool is described, which is intended for screwing into place a threaded prosthetic part (6). The tool comprises a turning bolt (1) which has an elongated cylindrical core (2) having at one end thereof a head (3) for turning the tool, and having at its opposite end a portion (4) first threads (5) for fitting into threads in the prosthetic part, and is characterized in that the core has second threads (11), on a portion (10) thereof between the ends thereof, said second threads having a pitch direction opposite to the pitch direction fo the first threads, and a sleeve (13) arranged around the core, said sleeve having threads engaging said second threads, whereby the sleeve may be screwed into contact with the prosthetic part (6) locking the tool in the prosthetic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Astra Meditec Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Per Olof Soderberg
  • Patent number: 4995381
    Abstract: A therapeutic device is provided for assisting in the maintenance of an erection in a male penis which is a continuous ring prepared from a solid elastomeric material which is very soft, highly extensible and exhibits a very low modulus, the ring having a circular inner diameter and circular cross-section which is of a size adaptable to be readily placed about and snugly engage the base end of a penis with sufficient radial compressive force applied to the penis to restrict outward veinal flow of blood from the penis without complete occlusion of arterial blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Performance Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel L. Marmar, Brian R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 4993948
    Abstract: For free-hand use by a dentist, there is provided a cylinder containing tooth filling material urged out of the cylinder by spring pressure, sometimes augmented by thumb pressure against the end of a piston rod in the cylinder. Flow of the material out of the cylinder through a removable and replaceable flexible curved nozzle is under control of a valve located to be readily manipulated between open and closed positions by the same hand of the dentist. Preferably the filling material is in a discrete capsule containing enough filling material for several teeth and easily placed in and removed from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventors: Frederick J. Cameron, Carl L. Cranke
  • Patent number: 4993949
    Abstract: A tool and method for handling small objects particularly suitable for placing small cast restorations into prepared cavities inside the mouth of a dental patient. The tool comprises an elongate handle having an adhesive tip of nonhardening pliable adhesive material. The material is plastically deformable, upon sustained pressure, and a forward bonding surface may be formed of a size appropriate for the size of the object to be placed and the contour of the placement location. A lump of the material encompasses a terminal portion of the handle, and the tool is operable at any convenient angle within the space restrictions inherent at a particular location. Economical manufacture allows disposable use of the tool and lessens the likelihood of transferring infection between patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Sheryl L. Hill
  • Patent number: 4991607
    Abstract: A hairpin comprising a curved plastic plate and a metal clip having both the lengthwise ends possible to be pinched between both the inner wall faces of the projecting walls respectively at both the lengthwise ends of the plastic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Chin J. Chen
  • Patent number: 4990089
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process and a material for brightening teeth. The process comprises the construction of a splint around the tooth or teeth to be brightened, followed by the insertion within the splint of a brightening agent selected from one of many peroxide groups. The splint is constructed so that the splint is relatively liquid tight to the gingiva. The brightening agent is periodically renewed and can be mixed with various other agents to increase the nascent oxygen release aerating factors. In one embodiment, the peroxide that is used is a 10% solution of carbamide peroxide mixed with a water free gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Dunhall Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Munro
  • Patent number: 4989592
    Abstract: A type of device to improve male sexual potency; a penis protecting pad made of flexible material; on the upper edge of the penis protecting pad are two adjusting pads, and on its lower edges are left and right adjusting belts respectively pulled through the slots on the waist band. On the lower part of the penis protecting pad is a threaded tube joint to accommodate an inside threaded tube body. One end of the tube body is jointed and adhered to a flexible glans penis to form a penis-shaped structure to be worn onto a real penis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Dao-pin Chang
  • Patent number: 4988291
    Abstract: An orthdontic/facial orthopedic appliance for use in applying a pulling force to select teeth, the associated arch, and or jaw component(s) for moving/modifying and positioning the same. The appliance includes a frame supported primarily on the forward cranial portions of the patient's head and shaped to outline the area of the patient's face lateral to the forehead, eyes, nose and mouth, doe not apply force to the temporo-mandibular joint and is stationary against the face during lower jaw movement. The pulling force is in the form of elastic elements connected at one end to a member fixed to the frame and extending therefrom in a manner to be forward of the patient's mouth when the appliance is in a position of use, and at the other end thereof to selected teeth of the patient such that the pulling force pulls the selected teeth, associated arch, and/or upper jaw component(s) in a direction toward the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Great Lakes Orthodontics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Duane C. Grummons