Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Sun

Benjamin J. Sun 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: 12042549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photopolymerizable resin compositions suitable for producing durable dental prosthetic and restorative articles. In particular, the invention relates to photopolymerizable resin compositions comprised of a specific combination of multiple polymerizable components, one or more resin-modifying particle components, and one or more photopolymerization initiator components. Compositions of the invention are especially well-suited to producing durable, stain-and wear-resistant dental prosthetic and restorative articles, such as artificial teeth, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers, in an efficient and reliable manner using additive manufacturing systems and methods (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Sun
  • Publication number: 20220304901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to photopolymerizable resin compositions suitable for producing durable dental prosthetic and restorative articles. In particular, the invention relates to photopolymerizable resin compositions comprised of a specific combination of multiple polymerizable components, one or more resin-modifying particle components, and one or more photopolymerization initiator components. Compositions of the invention are especially well-suited to producing durable, stain-and wear-resistant dental prosthetic and restorative articles, such as artificial teeth, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers, in an efficient and reliable manner using additive manufacturing systems and methods (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin J. SUN
  • Publication number: 20190053883
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printed dental device formed from rapid prototyping with printable polymerizable materials, the dental device comprising a polymeric composition, wherein the polymeric composition, after curing, has at least one property of flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, and work of fracture that is at least 20% greater in measured value at 37° C. in comparison to measured value at 23° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. SUN, Dan AMMON
  • Publication number: 20170360534
    Abstract: This invention designs and builds multiple layers (two layers or more) of various dental devices, specifically denture base or denture, where printed multiple layered denture base with teeth cavities to receive artificial denture tooth materials to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. It can also print denture teeth. This invention also designs and prints multiple layers (two layers or more) of denture base with artificial denture teeth to form final dental devices, such as partial and full dentures. A method for manufacturing a layered denture is provided. The invention provides a multiple layered denture base materials for printing a denture base. The invention also provides a multiple layered denture tooth materials for printing artificial denture teeth. Highly shape adjustable or shape memory polymer layer(s) may be used in these multiple layered denture base forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. SUN, Dan AMMON
  • Patent number: 9144479
    Abstract: A method for light-curing polymerizable materials to form a dental device is provided. A light-curing apparatus having at least one integrated lighting and heating source, a curing volume, and a temperature controller, preferably a fan, is used in the method. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat a first polymerizable material to temperatures within a first temperature range. A second polymerizable material is applied on or adjacent to the first polymerizable material. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat the second polymerizable material to temperatures within a second temperature range. The first temperature range has a first midpoint and the second temperature range has a second midpoint. The first midpoint temperature is at least 10° C. apart from the second midpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew Lichkus, Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20150196462
    Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental composition including polymerizable dental resins. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making various dental devices, such as artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventor: Benjamin J. SUN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8765836
    Abstract: A dental appliance comprising a hard, shaped body having at least one portion comprising a polymerized blend of: From 0% to about 50% of an uncrosslinked polymer capable of dissolving in component; From about 0% to 50% of a monofunctional polymerizable monomer; From about 0% to 40% of a highly crosslinked polymer in the form of ground particles having average diameters up to about 500 microns; From about 0% to 50% of a crosslinked polymer in the form of discrete particles having average diameters up to about 500 microns and being easily swellable by said monomer; and From about 5% to about 35% of a di- or polyfunctional crosslinking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: DENTSPLY International Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Sun
  • Publication number: 20120157566
    Abstract: A dental appliance comprising a hard, shaped body having at least one portion comprising a polymerized blend of: From 0% to about 50% of an uncrosslinked polymer capable of dissolving in component;From about 0% to 50% of a monofunctional polymerizable monomer;From about 0% to 40% of a highly crosslinked polymer in the form of ground particles having average diameters up to about 500 microns;From about 0% to 50% of a crosslinked polymer in the form of discrete particles having average diameters up to about 500 microns and being easily swellable by said monomer; and From about 5% to about 35% of a di- or polyfunctional crosslinking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Sun
  • Publication number: 20120129973
    Abstract: The invention provides a high strength dental composition including polymerizable dental resins. The dental composition is useful as restorative material and for making various dental devices, such as artificial teeth, crowns and bridges of high strength dental polymeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventor: BENJAMIN J. SUN
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090278285
    Abstract: A method for light-curing polymerizable materials to form a dental device is provided. A light-curing apparatus having at least one integrated lighting and heating source, a curing volume, and a temperature controller, preferably a fan, is used in the method. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat a first polymerizable material to temperatures within a first temperature range. A second polymerizable material is applied on or adjacent to the first polymerizable material. The light source and temperature controller are used to heat the second polymerizable material to temperatures within a second temperature range. The first temperature range has a first midpoint and the second temperature range has a second midpoint. The first midpoint temperature is at least 10° C. apart from the second midpoint temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Andrew Lichkus, Scott Shaffer
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090148813
    Abstract: This invention relates to ink-jet printing systems for making dental products such as artificial teeth, dentures, splints, veneers, inlays, onlays, copings, frame patterns, crowns and bridges and the like. An ink-jet printer is used to discharge wax-like polymerizable material in a layer-by-layer manner to build-up the object. In other methods, a heated capillary or dropper can be used to apply the polymerizable material. The resulting three-dimensional object has good dimensional stability. Light irradiation can be used to cure and harden the material, thereby producing the final dental product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sun, Christopher R. Kennedy, Andrew 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: 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
  • 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