Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Lichkus

Andrew M. Lichkus 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).

  • Patent number: 10849724
    Abstract: This invention relates to printable high strength/toughness polymerizable material systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, orthodontic appliances, aligners, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. A DLP, stereolithography, modified or their modification and combination based printer is used to cure polymerizable material in several different methods of this invention to build-up the object. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Publication number: 20190152097
    Abstract: This invention relates to rapid prototyping systems, specifically, a composition for a release film comprising one or more base materials selected from the group consisting of silicone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene; and one or more free-radical inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin SUN, Andrew M LICHKUS
  • Publication number: 20180000570
    Abstract: This invention relates to printable high strength/toughness polymerizable material systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, orthodontic appliances, aligners, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. A DLP, stereolithography, modified or their modification and combination based printer is used to cure polymerizable material in several different methods of this invention to build-up the object. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin SUN, Andrew M. LICHKUS
  • Publication number: 20160288376
    Abstract: This invention relates to rapid prototyping systems, specifically, a composition for a release film comprising one or more base materials selected from the group consisting of silicone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polypropylene; and one or more free-radical inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin SUN, Andrew M. LICHKUS
  • Patent number: 9119692
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of making provisional and long-term dental restorations, particularly dental veneers, implants, crowns and bridges. A shell or restoration form made of polymerizable material having good dimensional shape-stability in its uncured condition is used to make the dental restoration. A polymerizable material is introduced into the cavity of the shell form. The outer shell and injected polymerizable material are polymerized and bond together to form a hardened crown structure. In one embodiment, the restoration can be fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory. In another version, a dental practitioner can make the restoration chairside for a patient in a dental office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 9078821
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a three-dimensional dental prosthesis using ink-jet printing systems. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge light-curable, wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the prosthesis. The methods are particularly useful for making integrated dentures containing a set of artificial teeth. The denture base and set of teeth are made of light-curable, wax-like polymerizable materials comprising a mixture of monomer, oligomer, and light sensitizer. The wax-like materials are dimensionally stable in their uncured states. The denture base and artificial teeth are later light-cured to form a polymerized denture product having high flexural modulus and flexural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Publication number: 20140131908
    Abstract: This invention relates to printable polymerizable material systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. A DLP or stereolithography printer is used to cure polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the object. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin Sun, Christopher R. Kennedy, Veeraraghavan Sundar, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Publication number: 20140103557
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of making provisional and long-term dental restorations, particularly dental veneers, implants, crowns and bridges. A shell or restoration form made of polymerizable material having good dimensional shape-stability in its uncured condition is used to make the dental restoration. A polymerizable material is introduced into the cavity of the shell form. The outer shell and injected polymerizable material are polymerized and bond together to form a hardened crown structure. In one embodiment, the restoration can be fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory. In another version, a dental practitioner can make the restoration chairside for a patient in a dental office.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin SUN, Andrew M. LICHKUS
  • Publication number: 20110081627
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of making provisional and long-term dental restorations, particularly dental veneers, crowns and bridges. In one embodiment, the restoration can be fabricated indirectly by a dental laboratory. In another version, a dental practitioner can make the restoration chairside for a patient in a dental office. A polymerizable dental composite material, which is dimensionally shape-stable in its uncured state, is used to make the restoration. A substructure such as a metal coping can be used to support the polymerizable material. The material includes a polymerizable acrylic compound, polymerization initiator system capable of being activated by light or heat, and preferably a filler material. The resulting dental restoration has good aesthetics, mechanical strength, and margins and contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin Jiemin Sun, Andrew Mathias Young, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Publication number: 20110049738
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a three-dimensional dental prosthesis using ink-jet printing systems. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge light-curable, wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the prosthesis. The methods are particularly useful for making integrated dentures containing a set of artificial teeth. The denture base and set of teeth are made of light-curable, wax-like polymerizable materials comprising a mixture of monomer, oligomer, and light sensitizer. The wax-like materials are dimensionally stable in their uncured states. The denture base and artificial teeth are later light-cured to form a polymerized denture product having high flexural modulus and flexural strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Publication number: 20100044895
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of shaping a dental product, comprising: shaping a curable polymerizable composition to form a shape of a dental product. The polymerizable composition is adapted to cure to form polymeric material, which at 37° C. has a flexural modulus of less than 250,000 psi and a flexural strength of less than 7,000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 7566412
    Abstract: A dental device and method of making it, by shaping a first and a second wax-like polymerizable dental material to form a polymerizable dental device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 7476347
    Abstract: A dental device including an integrally connected artificial tooth and denture base. The artificial tooth is made by continuously conveying polymerizable material into tooth forming molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 7175433
    Abstract: The invention provides a dental composition including filler and a polymerizable dental material selected from the group consisting of wax-like polymerizable dental material and restorative paste wax polymerizable dental material. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Sun, Andrew M Lichkus
  • Patent number: 7114951
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a dental appliance by shaping a low ball tack polymerizable material. By including fluorescing agent the surfaces of dental appliances are visually identifiable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M Lichkus
  • Patent number: 7024770
    Abstract: The invention provides high strength dental polymeric dental products made from wax-like polymerizable dental material. These dental products have superior strength compared to products formed from prior wax-like polymerizable materials. Prior wax-like polymerizable materials do not form strong enough polymeric material for making dentures. High strength dentures are made by positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material of the invention. This material is then shaped and polymerized to the form a denture base of high strength dental polymeric material. These dentures are completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 6918765
    Abstract: A dental product formed by a process and a method of using a denture including providing a denture having an outer face, applying a readily flowable material to the face. The flowable material comprises volatile material and polymeric material. Volatilizing at least a portion of the volatile material from the flowable material to form a readily peelable water swellable solid film. The film is substantially insoluble in water. The film comprising at least 10% by weight of the polymeric material. The denture having an outer face. The film adheres to the face and film effectively not being covalently bonded to the face. The product and method are preferably carried out using an adhesive dispenser including a container, a pump and flowable adhesive. The flowable adhesive is enclosed by the container. The pump is supported by the container and the pump is connected through a conduit to the flowable adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 6855278
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a removable partial dental prosthesis by molding a removable partial dental prosthesis having a base, an artificial tooth and a clasp. The artificial tooth is supported by said base. The base is integrally connected to the clasp. The base includes pigment and is substantially opaque. The clasp is effectively free of pigment and is substantially transparent. The base is formed to mate with oral mucosa for support of the prosthesis thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Andrew M. Lichkus, William James Schiffer, Jr., Craig L. Nalbone, Michael L. DeCavalcante
  • Publication number: 20040224283
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of shaping a dental product, comprising: shaping a curable polymerizable composition to form a shape of a dental product. The polymerizable composition is adapted to cure to form polymeric material, which at 37° C. has a flexural modulus of less than 250,000 psi and a flexural strength of less than 7,000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus
  • Patent number: 6799969
    Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental polymeric material formed from wax-like polymerizable dental material. A wax-like polymerizable dental material formed by a process comprising blending polymerizable compounds which polymerize to form high strength dental polymeric material. The invention provides a process for making a denture including: positioning artificial teeth in wax-like polymerizable dental material, and shaping the polyermizable material into the form of a denture base. The process is completed without forming wax and without applying inorganic plaster to the artificial teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew M. Lichkus