Patents Examined by Matthew Saunders
  • Patent number: 9884181
    Abstract: A vestibular electronic orthodontic appliance expediter constituted of a lingual sub-member and a buccal sub-member, the lingual sub-member arranged to fit a lingual contour of a gum of a patient, the buccal sub-member arranged to fit a buccal contour of a gum of the patient; a control circuitry; a power supply; a plurality of lingual electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket; and a plurality of buccal electrodes, each associated with a particular tooth socket. Either a first or a second type current is generated between lingual and buccal electrodes responsive to the control circuitry. Biochemical molecules involved in bone remodeling, augmented by the electric currents, may be applied to the expediter as a layer of gel containing those molecules on the expediter surface facing the gum tissue. Temperature control enhances the gel effects. pH measurement, as indicators of the cellular response to the combined treatment is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Rapid Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeev Davidovitch, Robert Sanford, Moshe Davidovitch
  • Patent number: 9877803
    Abstract: An orthodontic/orthognathic device for correcting and changing tooth placements and bone structure, and a method of using orthodontic/orthognathic device for tooth movement, correcting syndromic conditions of the mouth and osteogenetic correction. The device may be used for maxillary distraction and expansion as well as mandibular separation and expansion. The device can be controlled by computer to direct tooth and bone placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Bandar Alyami
  • Patent number: 9872740
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the endodontic treatment of a root canal that includes (i) an endodontic instrument; (ii) an endodontic handpiece having a drive motor for rotating the endodontic instrument releasably attached to the handpiece; (iii) a control unit for controlling the rotation of the endodontic instrument according to one or more predetermined rotational sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Dentsply Sirona Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Borgschulte
  • Patent number: 9848927
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of stabilizing bone implants, comprising inserting a self tapping implant having at least two helical grooves running in opposite directions around the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Intra-Lock International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Giorno
  • Patent number: 9827068
    Abstract: An ablation procedure. The ablation procedure may be applied to tooth buds 120 and result in tooth agenesis. The ablation procedure may be applied to lesions or tumors. A tooth bud ablation system for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis. A method for volume scanning both hard tissues and soft tissues of a patient. A method for manufacturing or fabricating a custom surgical stent 110. A custom surgical stent 110 for use in a tooth bud ablation procedure that results in tooth agenesis, the custom surgical stent 110 for use with an ablation probe tip 108 having a center of ablation 130a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Triagenics, LLC
    Inventor: Leigh E. Colby
  • Patent number: 9827082
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bite plates for use with various orthodontic remodeling devices. A bite plate that releases fluoride during use, thus encouraging remineralization on enamel is described. Additionally, bite plates with a colorant or color-changing matrix that serve as indicators for fluoride concentration are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Lowe, Dwight Schnaitter
  • Patent number: 9820831
    Abstract: A dental implant fixture as a fixture implanted in an alveolar bone to be an artificial tooth root includes a main body vertically extending long along a center axis, at least part of the main body being implanted in the alveolar bone, and a cutting face formed on an outer circumferential surface of the main body to secure a space for accommodating blood when the main body is implanted in the alveolar bone. The dental implant fixture does not apply excessive pressure to a cortical bone of an alveolar bone when being inserted into an implantation hole, and is capable of rapidly regenerating the alveolar bone by accommodating a large amount of blood inside the implantation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: EBI Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Choon Cho
  • Patent number: 9814541
    Abstract: A method for controlling a dental instrument includes a foot pedal responsive to commands from a user. An operating mode is selectable between normal and boost cycle. A conventional mode is selectable by pressing and holding the foot pedal to a first level to operate in normal mode. The foot pedal operates in a boost mode when the pedal advances to a second level. Maintained mode is selectable by tapping the foot pedal to change modes between idle, normal and boost mode. Each mode is switched by tapping the foot pedal. The pedal switches between the second process and the first process by pressing and holding the foot pedal at the desired level corresponding to normal or boost mode. The pedal switches from the first process to the second process by tapping the foot pedal at the level corresponding to normal or boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Guaragno
  • Patent number: 9803931
    Abstract: The handpiece includes; an outer housing of a bar shape; a cylindrical core inserted into the outer housing and having an air hole and a water hole; pipes respective inserted into the air hole and the water hole of the core; a rotor made with a cylindrical magnetic material and inserted into the core; cylindrical support rings forcedly fit to both sides of transfer shafts of the rotor; a pair of bearings respectively disposed at the front side and the rear side of the support rings; a coupling disposed in front of the rotor; a front housing joined to the front of the outer housing; a front cap disposed at the rear of the core; a rear cap disposed at the rear of the front cap and having a power supply terminal disposed at one side thereof; and a rear housing joined to the rear of the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MICRO-NX CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jong Geon Lee
  • Patent number: 9770311
    Abstract: A dental implant system having a first implant part, provided for introduction into a jawbone, and having a second implant part, provided for attaching a tooth replacement part, the implant parts being mechanically interconnectable via a connection pin which is integrally formed on one of the implant parts and which is insertable into a receiving duct provided in the other implant part, is to have a particularly high stability and long duration of use, even when ceramic materials are used for the implant parts. For this purpose, in a contact region to the receiving duct the connection pin is provided with a spacer formed of a material softer than the material of the connection pin, and the connection pin has a porous surface, in the surface region which is provided with the coating, to form a material fit connection to the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Holger Zipprich, Urs Brodbeck, Markus Schlee
  • Patent number: 9724173
    Abstract: A method and kit for the apical sealing an tooth root canal and for improving root canal fillings are described. Also described is a method for using bone glue as an apical stop for obturating root canals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Markus Lietzau
  • Patent number: 9717571
    Abstract: A dental implant screw for holding an abutment on a dental implant includes a head and a shaft. A proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the head. The shaft includes a threaded section, an outwardly tapered section leading into a recessed section, and a stop section directly between the outwardly tapered section and the recessed section. The recessed section is directly between the head and the stop section. The threaded section is directly adjacent a distal end of the shaft and is configured to engage threads of an internally threaded bore in the dental implant to hold the abutment on the dental implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph E. Goodman, John J. Bellanca, Zachary B. Suttin, Ross W. Towse
  • Patent number: 9707060
    Abstract: Endodontically treated teeth can be restored with porcelain facial veneer restorations-layering ceramic and porcelains. The method includes the steps of providing a cement material for preventing microleakage into gutta percha and for forming a post-barrier space. A rhomboid access inlay-shaped porcelain core is provided with an anatomical post extension extending below a level of an existing crest of bone into a root canal space, the length of the post extension being less than one-half the length of a root canal. The modified post is seated into a post barrier cement to prevent the egress of moisture or bacterial microleakage to the apex of the root canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jack Levi
  • Patent number: 9707051
    Abstract: A depth limiting bur is provided. The depth limiting bur can include a cutting head with a diameter of at least two millimeters, a depth cut limiter with a convex surface, and a rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SS WHITE BURS, INC.
    Inventor: Melbourne J. Livernois
  • Patent number: 9707059
    Abstract: The invention relates to bone implants, namely screw-type implants and, more particularly, to a self tapping dental implant having at least two helical grooves running in opposite directions around the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Intra-Lock International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Giorno
  • Patent number: 9662193
    Abstract: A gauge system for measuring underbite and overbite in ruminants includes a handle having a spring biased retainer pivotally mounted thereon and a head portion at a front end having a tip receiving aperture, a set of interchangeable underbite measuring tips for use with cattle, a set of interchangeable underbite measuring tips for use with sheep, and a overbite measuring tip. The rear portion of the tip retainer is depressed by a user's thumb to pivot the front portion of the tip retainer upwardly to an open position and expose the tip receiving aperture for insertion or removal of a selected underbite measuring tip, or the overbite measuring tip, and thereafter removing the thumb allows the front portion of the tip retainer member to be lowered under spring pressure to the closed position and retain the selected underbite measuring tip, or the overbite tip in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Juan Fernando Saiz
  • Patent number: 9636194
    Abstract: A dental device with dual saliva extractors and dual retractors for the tongue and upper lip and method are connectable to a suction and disposal unit. The device includes a pair of extractors each of which includes a suction tip and a tubular member for connecting the tip to the sources of suction. A first of the tubular members is put into a patient's mouth with a first curved portion inserted in a lower portion of the patient's mouth over the tongue and behind the front teeth and a second curved portion separate from said first portion branched off from where the first portion crosses the lower teeth and is inserted between the upper lip and upper molars under the region of the Stenson's duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Fahad Ibrahim Fatiny
  • Patent number: 9636191
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described, and which includes a bracket base, which is releasably affixed to a patient's tooth; a bracket body borne on the bracket base, and which defines an arch wire slot, and which further has a selectively adjustable cross-sectional dimension; and an arch wire is received within the arch wire slot, and where the described embodiment of the bracket body, acting in combination with the arch wire is adjustable so as to provide a multiplicity of selective torque expressions, which act upon a patient's tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Orthodontic Designs, LLLP
    Inventors: Paul L. Damon, Dwight H. Damon
  • Patent number: 9636195
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system for cleaning teeth and gums includes 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 mechanical modality, an iontophoretic modality, and a disinfection modality. The mechanical modality brushes the teeth and gums and dislodges food debris, the iontophoretic modality breaks up plaque and tartar buildup, and the disinfection modality removes the food debris, plaque and tartar buildup. A control system coordinates the transmission of modalities, tracks and records utilization, recording completed and failed treatment cycles, and transmits them to a monitoring system. The monitoring system, which links to electronic medical administrating record (eMAR) technology and patient tracking technology (e.g., RFID sensors, electronic tags), facilitates compliance with recommended oral hygiene regimens and review of compliance by medical staff, assisted living staff, and/or caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen H. Wolpo
  • Patent number: 9603679
    Abstract: Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rodo Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Young Seo, Jong Gil Park