Patents Examined by Nicholas B. Lucchesi
  • Patent number: 6468079
    Abstract: Enhanced radiographic detection is provided by an endodontic marking instrument having a highly radiopaque elongate member, thereby enabling a dentist to better identify the location of the instrument in a root canal and the length of the root canal. The highly radiopaque, high contrast material of the elongate member is a non-toxic, material such as gold, platinum, palladium, silver, tungsten, and the like. The endodontic marking tools of the present invention are distinctly visible on radiographic images in light of the substantial contrast between the highly radiopaque material and the tooth of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Dan J. Bills
  • Patent number: 5354199
    Abstract: A polymerizable, storage-stable adhesive for adhesive precoated orthodontic appliances includes sufficient EBDA to impart to the adhesive a viscosity that will retain an orthodontic bracket in place on a vertical tooth surface during polymerization of the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dwight W. Jacobs, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5088924
    Abstract: A fiberoptic dental headpiece hose assembly has a smooth-walled, aseptic outer tubing that contains a plurality of internal components to provide drive air, an exhaust line, chip air and coolant water to the dental handpiece. The fiberoptic handpiece hose assembly is field-serviceable due to the rearend release connection of the outer tubing to the swivel assembly. This permits access to the internal components to allow repairs to be made in the dentist's office. The fiber-optic bundle is made from an acrylic material and the adapter is made generally from plastic to reduce the overall weight of the assembly and to improve the reliability and service life of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Gary Woodward