Patents by Inventor Alexander Hack

Alexander Hack has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240029270
    Abstract: This invention is related to a method for determining the storage quality of an X-ray imaging plate, including the steps of: providing a plurality of digital X-ray images of the imaging plate; performing a cross-correlation operation on the X-ray images for relevant image regions; creating feature images from the correlation values; classifying the functionality of a pixel of a feature image based on the number of pixels in the vicinity of the pixel whose correlation value exceeds a correlation threshold. Further, the invention also relates to an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: DÜRR DENTAL SE
    Inventors: Alexander HACK, Alexander LADIKOS, Simon JAGODA, Matthias WIECZOREK
  • Patent number: 10591615
    Abstract: A device and method for reading an exposed imaging plate generate read-out light and utilize a deflection unit to direct the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit has a micromirror to deflect impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror can swivel about a first swivel axis and about a second swivel axis distinct from the first. A detector unit detects fluorescent light emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges. An evaluating unit evaluates signals received from the detector unit and builds up an image that is stored in the imaging plate. The evaluating unit takes into account, when evaluating the signals received from the detector unit, that points on the imaging plate are subjected to the read-out light variably often and/or for variable time lengths while the micromirror oscillates about the first and the second swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: DÜRR DENTAL
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Publication number: 20190339401
    Abstract: A device and method for reading an exposed imaging plate generate read-out light and utilize a deflection unit to direct the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit has a micromirror to deflect impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror can swivel about a first swivel axis and about a second swivel axis distinct from the first. A detector unit detects fluorescent light emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges. An evaluating unit evaluates signals received from the detector unit and builds up an image that is stored in the imaging plate. The evaluating unit takes into account, when evaluating the signals received from the detector unit, that points on the imaging plate are subjected to the read-out light variably often and/or for variable time lengths while the micromirror oscillates about the first and the second swivel axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Patent number: 10393889
    Abstract: A device and method for reading an exposed imaging plate generate read-out light and utilize a deflection unit to direct the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit has a micromirror to deflect impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror can swivel about a first swivel axis and about a second swivel axis distinct from the first. A detector unit detects fluorescent light emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges. An evaluating unit evaluates signals received from the detector unit and builds up an image that is stored in the imaging plate. The evaluating unit takes into account, when evaluating the signals received from the detector unit, that points on the imaging plate are subjected to the read-out light variably often and/or for variable time lengths while the micromirror oscillates about the first and the second swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DÜRR DENTAL AG
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Publication number: 20190049598
    Abstract: A device and method for reading an exposed imaging plate generate read-out light and utilize a deflection unit to direct the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit has a micromirror to deflect impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror can swivel about a first swivel axis and about a second swivel axis distinct from the first. A detector unit detects fluorescent light emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges. An evaluating unit evaluates signals received from the detector unit and builds up an image that is stored in the imaging plate. The evaluating unit takes into account, when evaluating the signals received from the detector unit, that points on the imaging plate are subjected to the read-out light variably often and/or for variable time lengths while the micromirror oscillates about the first and the second swivel axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Patent number: 10139497
    Abstract: A device configured to read an exposed imaging plate, comprises a light-source that generates read-out light. A deflection unit directs the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit comprises a micromirror that deflects impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror swivels about a first swivel axis and about a different second swivel axis. The micromirror oscillates with a first frequency about the first swivel axis and simultaneously with a different second frequency about the second swivel axis. A detector unit detects fluorescent light which is emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dürr Dental AG
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Patent number: 9220414
    Abstract: A dental camera system for creating an image of an object has a dental camera, which comprises a housing and optics arranged therein together with an image sensor. The dental camera system further comprises an evaluation unit which cooperates with the image sensor to capture the object. To achieve a dental camera system whereof the dental camera performs using optics without movable or controllable optical elements, it is provided for the optics to be plenoptic optics which are designed to determine a 4D light field when capturing the object and for the evaluation unit to be designed to calculate at least one representation of the captured object from the 4D light field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Duerr Dental AG
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Peter Lais, Raimund Maier, Axel Schramm
  • Publication number: 20140302452
    Abstract: A dental camera system for creating an image of an object has a dental camera, which comprises a housing and optics arranged therein together with an image sensor. The dental camera system further comprises an evaluation unit which cooperates with the image sensor to capture the object. To achieve a dental camera system whereof the dental camera performs using optics without movable or controllable optical elements, it is provided for the optics to be plenoptic optics which are designed to determine a 4D light field when capturing the object and for the evaluation unit to be designed to calculate at least one representation of the captured object from the 4D light field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Dürr Dental AG
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Peter Lais, Raimund Maier, Axel Schramm
  • Publication number: 20140252252
    Abstract: A device configured to read an exposed imaging plate, comprises a light-source that generates read-out light. A deflection unit directs the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit comprises a micromirror that deflects impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror swivels about a first swivel axis and about a different second swivel axis. The micromirror oscillates with a first frequency about the first swivel axis and simultaneously with a different second frequency about the second swivel axis. A detector unit detects fluorescent light which is emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Dürr Dental AG
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Patent number: 7740477
    Abstract: In a dental device for the investigation of the optical properties of tooth tissue, in particular for the recognition of caries, plaque, bacterial infection, concretions and tartar, having a generator for generating an excitation radiation, which is to be directed onto a tooth tissue region to be investigated, a radiation detector and a radiation evaluator for the detection and evaluation of a response radiation arising from the irradiated tooth tissue region as response to the irradiation, and an indicator means for the indication of a measurement result determined by the evaluation means on the basis of the detected response radiation, the excitation radiation generator, the radiation detector and at least also the indicator being integrated in a dental handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Sven Erdmann, Hans Heckenberger
  • Patent number: 7278784
    Abstract: A dental X-ray system includes a radiation source used to produce X-rays and disposed in an X-ray head. The system has an electronic sensor used to detect X-rays. The sensor can be detachably connected to a central unit of the X-ray system by a plug-in connection. The electronic control system for the sensor is integrated into a plug connected thereto by an external connection cable and is associated with the sensor, thereby enabling a simple exchange between two sensors. The system can include several sensors that can be operated parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Uwe Zeller, Klaus Weber
  • Patent number: 7278787
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus, in particular a dental X-ray apparatus, includes an X-ray radiation source for generating X-ray radiation to be directed at an object to be investigated, for example, a patient's tooth or jaw. The apparatus has an optical device through which an aiming device, for example, an additional visible pilot radiation generated by a further light source, is directed substantially parallel to the X-ray radiation at the object to be investigated to facilitate the positioning of the X-ray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kaltenbach + Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Uwe Zeller, Klaus Weber, Martin Rickert
  • Patent number: 7210847
    Abstract: An intraoral sensor for a dental X-ray apparatus includes a detection element for detecting the X-ray radiation. The element is disposed in an interior of a housing. To improve the possibilities for cleaning and sterilizing, the housing or parts thereof are of an abrasion resistant material, in particular, of porcelain, ceramic, an enamelling, metal, or of a combination of these materials. To avoid damage to the detection element through external impacts or jarring, the element is mounted within the housing through one or more damping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Hack
  • Publication number: 20060067483
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus, in particular a dental X-ray apparatus, includes an X-ray radiation source for generating X-ray radiation to be directed at an object to be investigated, for example, a patient's tooth or jaw. The apparatus has an optical device through which an aiming device, for example, an additional visible pilot radiation generated by a further light source, is directed substantially parallel to the X-ray radiation at the object to be investigated to facilitate the positioning of the X-ray head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Uwe Zeller, Klaus Weber, Martin Rickert
  • Publication number: 20060067463
    Abstract: A dental X-ray system includes a radiation source used to produce X-rays and disposed in an X-ray head. The system has an electronic sensor used to detect X-rays. The sensor can be detachably connected to a central unit of the X-ray system by a plug-in connection. The electronic control system for the sensor is integrated into a plug connected thereto by an external connection cable and is associated with the sensor, thereby enabling a simple exchange between two sensors. The system can include several sensors that can be operated parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Uwe Zeller, Klaus Weber
  • Publication number: 20060067462
    Abstract: An intraoral sensor for a dental X-ray apparatus includes a detection element for detecting the X-ray radiation. The element is disposed in an interior of a housing. To improve the possibilities for cleaning and sterilizing, the housing or parts thereof are of an abrasion resistant material, in particular, of porcelain, ceramic, an enamelling, metal, or of a combination of these materials. To avoid damage to the detection element through external impacts or jarring, the element is mounted within the housing through one or more damping elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Alexander Hack
  • Publication number: 20050255423
    Abstract: A calibrator is provided for carrying out a calibration of an investigation device, which has means for the generation of an excitation radiation, which is to be directed at a tooth tissue region to be investigated, a radiation detector and radiation evaluation for the detection and evaluation of a response radiation arising from the irradiated tooth tissue region in response to the irradiation, and a radiation transmission for the transmission of the excitation radiation and the response radiation, which includes at least a diagnosis probe for directing the excitation radiation at the tooth tissue region to be investigated and for detecting the response radiation, has a reference element, which for carrying out a calibration of the investigation device is to be irradiated by this device via the diagnosis probe. In accordance with the invention the calibrator has a repository via which the diagnosis probe is held in a defined position and/or orientation with regard to the reference element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Sven Erdmann, Hans Heckenberger
  • Publication number: 20050255424
    Abstract: In a dental device for the investigation of the optical properties of tooth tissue, in particular for the recognition of caries, plaque, bacterial infection, concretions and tartar, having a generator for generating an excitation radiation, which is to be directed onto a tooth tissue region to be investigated, a radiation detector and a radiation evaluator for the detection and evaluation of a response radiation arising from the irradiated tooth tissue region as response to the irradiation, and an indicator means for the indication of a measurement result determined by the evaluation means on the basis of the detected response radiation, the excitation radiation generator, the radiation detector and at least also the indicator being integrated in a dental handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hack, Sven Erdmann, Hans Heckenberger
  • Patent number: 6146376
    Abstract: Pulsed light source for the removal of biological tissue. The pulsed light source incorporates light means as well as a controller which controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate on the one hand ablation pulses (BA) with an irradiancy sufficient for the ablation of tissue and on the other hand a coagulation radiation (BK) with an irradiance sufficient simply for a heating of tissue, but not for an ablation of tissue. The controller controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate the coagulation radiation (BK) independently in time of the ablation pulses (BA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voight GmbH & co.
    Inventor: Alexander Hack
  • Patent number: D587810
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Weber, Hans Heckenberger, Sven Erdmann, Alexander Hack