Patents by Inventor Bruce Berckman, III
Bruce Berckman, III 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).
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Patent number: 8486483Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline surface on an implant. The method includes the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to form a roughened surface. The method further includes the act of, without forming an alkoxide on the roughened surface, depositing nanocrystals on the roughened surface. The nanocrystals include a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 8414296Abstract: A surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20120323546Abstract: A surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20120288828Abstract: A titanium 6 Al/4V alloy is provided with a surface topography that is similar to the Osseotite® surface produced on commercially pure titanium. Native oxide is removed from the Ti 6Al/4V alloy, followed by contacting the metal at ambient temperature with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing a relatively small amount of hydrofluoric acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Publication number: 20120283866Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
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Publication number: 20120259597Abstract: Methods of selecting or designing an implant to be used in a patient are provided. A CT scan of a patient's mouth is performed. A 3D CAD model of the patient's mouth is created utilizing data generated by the CT scan. Properties of the patient's mouth are determined based upon CT scan data and assigned to the 3D CAD model. A desired location for an implant is selected. A FEA simulation is performed on the 3D CAD model to choose an implant or to design an implant that optimizes a selected variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, T. Tait Robb
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Patent number: 8257083Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
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Patent number: 8251700Abstract: A titanium 6 A1/4V alloy is provided with a surface topography that is similar to the Osseotite® surface produced on commercially pure titanium. Native oxide is removed from the Ti 6A1/4V alloy, followed by contacting the metal at ambient temperature with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing a relatively small amount of hydrofluoric acid.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Publication number: 20120189982Abstract: A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The method takes an impression of a mouth including a first installation site having a dental implant installed in the first installation site and a gingival healing abutment having at least one informational marker attached to the dental implant. A stone model is prepared based on the impression. The model is scanned. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information for manufacturing the rapid prototype. Rapid prototype dimensional information is developed. The rapid prototype dimensional information is transferred to a rapid prototyping machine which fabricate a rapid prototype of the patient's dentition as well as a dental implant analog position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Theodore M. Powell, John T. Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20120189981Abstract: A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The method takes an impression of a mouth including a first installation site having a dental implant installed in the first installation site and a gingival healing abutment having at least one informational marker attached to the dental implant. A stone model is prepared based on the impression. The model is scanned. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information for manufacturing the rapid prototype. Rapid prototype dimensional information is developed. The rapid prototype dimensional information is transferred to a rapid prototyping machine which fabricate a rapid prototype of the patient's dentition as well as a dental implant analog position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Theodore M. Powell, John T. Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Patent number: 8221121Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Patent number: 8206153Abstract: Methods of selecting or designing an implant to be used in a patient are provided. A CT scan of a patient's mouth is performed. A 3D CAD model of the patient's mouth is created utilizing data generated by the CT scan. Properties of the patient's mouth are determined based upon CT scan data and assigned to the 3D CAD model. A desired location for an implant is selected. A FEA simulation is performed on the 3D CAD model to choose an implant or to design an implant that optimizes a selected variable.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, Inc.Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Bruce Berckmans, III, T. Tait Robb
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Patent number: 8185224Abstract: A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The method takes an impression of a mouth including a first installation site having a dental implant installed in the first installation site and a gingival healing abutment having at least one informational marker attached to the dental implant. A stone model is prepared based on the impression, including teeth models and model markers indicative of the at least one informational marker. The model is scanned. Scan data is generated from the scanning. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information for manufacturing the rapid prototype. Rapid prototype dimensional information is developed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Theodore M. Powell, John T. Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20110306008Abstract: The present invention is a surgical guide for guiding the insertion of a dental implant into a desired location in a patient's mouth. The implant includes a non-rotational structure. The surgical guide includes a structure and a master tube. The structure has a negative impression surface to be fitted on and placed over gingival tissue, bone, and/or teeth in the patient's mouth. The structure includes an opening through which the dental implant is placed. The master tube is located at the opening. The master tube includes indicia for alignment with the non-rotational structure on the implant such that the non-rotational structure of the implant is at a known angular orientation with respect to the master tube. The present invention includes kits of various components used with the surgical guide and with the dental surgery using the surgical guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Zachary B. Suttin, T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ralph E. Goodman, Theodore M. Powell
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Publication number: 20110306009Abstract: The present invention is a surgical guide for guiding the insertion of a dental implant into a desired location in a patient's mouth. The implant includes a non-rotational structure. The surgical guide includes a structure and a master tube. The structure has a negative impression surface to be fitted on and placed over gingival tissue, bone, and/or teeth in the patient's mouth. The structure includes an opening through which the dental implant is placed. The master tube is located at the opening. The master tube includes indicia for alignment with the non-rotational structure on the implant such that the non-rotational structure of the implant is at a known angular orientation with respect to the master tube. The present invention includes kits of various components used with the surgical guide and with the dental surgery using the surgical guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Zachary B. Suttin, T.Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ralph E. Goodman, Theodore M. Powell
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Publication number: 20110269104Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20110229856Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 8011925Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rapid prototype overmold for locating a dental implant analog in a modified stone model for use in creating a tooth prosthesis is provided. An impression of a mouth having a first installation site that has a dental implant and a gingival healing abutment with at least one informational marker installed is taken. A stone model based on the impression is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the installation site on a CAD program using data from the scan is created. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information about the location of the dental implant. Abutment dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and the at least one informational marker is developed. Overmold rapid prototype dimensional information based on the three-dimensional image is developed. The overmold rapid prototype adapted to fit over the modified stone model is fabricated.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Theodore M. Powell, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb
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Patent number: 8011927Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing a surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20110200970Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant analog in a physical model for use in creating a dental prosthesis is provided. The physical model, which is usually based on an impression of the patient's mouth or a scan of the patient's mouth, is prepared. The model is scanned. A three-dimensional computer model of the physical model is created and is used to develop the location of the dental implant. A robot then modifies the physical model to create an opening for the implant analog. The robot then places the implant analog within the opening at the location dictated by the three-dimensional computer model.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik