Patents by Inventor Bruce Berckmans

Bruce Berckmans 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: 11897201
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Theodore M Powell, John T Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III
  • Patent number: 11896459
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Bruce Berckmans, III, Dan P Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Patent number: 11344387
    Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method includes the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further includes forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further includes 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 have a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W Towse, Robert L Mayfield
  • Publication number: 20220104922
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Publication number: 20220096023
    Abstract: 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 tit 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Publication number: 20220016843
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Theodore M Powell, John T Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Patent number: 11219511
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Patent number: 11207153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ralph E. Goodman, Theodore M. Powell
  • Patent number: 11154258
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B Suttin
  • Patent number: 11046006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore M. Powell, John T. Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin
  • Patent number: 11015253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: BIOMET 3I, LLC
    Inventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W Towse, Robert L Mayfield
  • Patent number: 10925694
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Bruce Berckmans, III, T. Tait Robb
  • Patent number: 10667885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ralph E. Goodman, Theodore M. Powell
  • Publication number: 20190350684
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Publication number: 20190321139
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Bruce Berckmans, III, T. Tait Robb
  • Publication number: 20190292666
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
  • Patent number: 10368963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Bruce Berckmans, III, T. Tait Robb
  • Patent number: 10307227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin, Dan P. Rogers, T. Tait Robb, Alexis C. Goolik
  • Patent number: 10227697
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLC
    Inventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
  • Publication number: 20190061260
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Theodore M. Powell, John T. Amber, Bruce Berckmans, III, Zachary B. Suttin