Patents by Inventor Bruce Willard Hultgren
Bruce Willard Hultgren 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: 20240130833Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch includes the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Bruce Willard Hultgren, Steven Mark Rzepecki
-
Publication number: 20240033061Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for generating dentures are provided. An example system includes a motion capture system that captures patient jaw motion and generates patient jaw motion data; and a denture design system that generates a denture design based on the patient jaw motion data. An example method includes acquiring a digital reference denture model of a reference denture; selecting a denture tooth library based on the digital reference denture model; selecting and aligning denture library teeth from the selected denture tooth library to the digital reference denture model; generating a denture base digital model based on the digital reference denture model and the aligned denture library teeth; and fabricating a physical denture based from the denture base digital model.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Bruce Willard HULTGREN, John Michael MADDEN, Michael C. Marshall, Stephen B. SIEGFRIED FLOE
-
Publication number: 20230320823Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining and tracking movement are provided. An example apparatus that includes a position indicating system having a first light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a first direction, a second light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a second direction, the second direction being collinear with and opposite to the first direction; and a third light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a third direction, the third direction being different than the first direction and the second direction. The third direction may be offset from the first direction by an offset angle that is an acute angle. The apparatus may also include a screen; an imaging system configured to capture an image of the screen. The first light emitter and the third light emitter may both be configured to emit light toward the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren, Timothy A. Miller
-
Publication number: 20230157785Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for generating motion-based dental splints are provided. An example dental splint includes a thin-shell aligner and a contact surface formed based on motion data. The motion data may include relative motion data based on movement of a patients upper dentition with respect to the patients lower dentition. The contact surface may include one or more ridges corresponding to the positions of a contact region on the opposing dentition as a jaw movement is performed. The dental splint may be used to treat temporomandibular joint disorder. An example method includes acquiring an impression of a patients dentition; acquiring jaw motion data for the patient; generating a thin-shell appliance for the patient based on the impression; generating a contact surface based on the motion data; and joining the contact surface with the thin-shell appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20230149134Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for coupling to a patients dentition are provided. An example apparatus includes a base region, an extension member connected to the base region, a first arm configured to couple to a first side of the patients dentition, a second arm configured to couple to a second side of the patients dentition. The extension member is configured to protrude out from the patients mouth and includes an includes an attachment assembly for removably connecting with a position indicator system. The apparatus may include a registration tool that removably couples the position indicator system and includes a scan end configured to be scanned with the patients dentition. The apparatus may include a removable alignment apparatus that includes at least one dentition fitting surface configured to fit to a surface of the patients dentition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren, Steven M. Rzepecki
-
Publication number: 20230139151Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Bruce Willard Hultgren, Steven Mark Rzepecki
-
Patent number: 11633264Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining and tracking movement are provided. An example apparatus that includes a position indicating system having a first light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a first direction, a second light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a second direction, the second direction being collinear with and opposite to the first direction; and a third light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a third direction, the third direction being different than the first direction and the second direction. The third direction may be offset from the first direction by an offset angle that is an acute angle. The apparatus may also include a screen; an imaging system configured to capture an image of the screen. The first light emitter and the third light emitter may both be configured to emit light toward the screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: VOYAGER DENTAL, INC.Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren, Timothy A. Miller
-
Publication number: 20230035538Abstract: The disclosed technology provides for setting up teeth, such as dentures and dental appliances, based on motion data. A method can include receiving, by a computing system, a digital representation of the patient's jaw movement, receiving a digital model of at least a portion of the patient's upper and lower teeth, receiving user input indicating selection of at least a first tooth in the digital model as moveable, at least a second tooth as fixed, and at least a third tooth as ignored, moving the at least portion of the upper teeth and the lower teeth along movement pathways indicated by the digital representation of jaw movement, and automatically adjusting a position of the selected first tooth based on detecting the position of the selected at least first tooth as colliding or interfering with one or more other teeth represented by the digital model along one of the movement pathways.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Patent number: 11553986Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: HULTGREN DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20210345944Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Patent number: 11045138Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20200297245Abstract: A motion adjustment prediction system is described. A scan of a dentition is performed to generate a digital dental model from which a position and orientation of each tooth in the upper and lower dental arches of the dentition is determined with respect to each other tooth. A dentition motion assessment is performed to capture motion data representing a movement of the dental arches relative to each other. A dental treatment plan with dentition adjustment is determined based on the scan and the dentition motion assessment. The dentition adjustment can include a restoration preparation, such as a crown or a bridge, or can include an orthodontic alignment. A motion adjustment is predicted based on the dentition adjustment, and the dental treatment plan is modified based on the predicted motion adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20200146790Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining and tracking movement are provided. An example apparatus that includes a position indicating system having a first light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a first direction, a second light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a second direction, the second direction being collinear with and opposite to the first direction; and a third light emitter positioned and oriented to emit light in a third direction, the third direction being different than the first direction and the second direction. The third direction may be offset from the first direction by an offset angle that is an acute angle. The apparatus may also include a screen; an imaging system configured to capture an image of the screen. The first light emitter and the third light emitter may both be configured to emit light toward the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren, Timothy A. Miller
-
Patent number: 10561482Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for determining jaw movement are provided. An example patient assembly for capturing motion data of a patient includes a clutch configured to be worn by the patient on a dentition of the patient. The clutch includes a dentition coupling device configured to couple to the dentition of the patient and includes an extension member configured to protrude out from the patient's mouth. The clutch also includes a position indicating system rigidly connected to the dentition coupling device. An example position indicating system emits a plurality of light beams. Some examples also include an imaging system and a motion determining device. An example imaging system captures a plurality of image sets that each include at least one of a plurality of screens upon which the light beams project. An example motion determining device processes the captured image sets to determine the motion of the patient's dentition.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: VisionX, LLCInventors: Michael C. Marshall, Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20190167381Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Patent number: 10265150Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a plurality of teeth in a dentition of a patient is described. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch includes a restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interference model generation system, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: BRUCE WILLARD HULTGRENInventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20190060034Abstract: A dental appliance for measuring properties of teeth of a patient may include a support structure configured to couple to upper teeth or lower teeth of the patient and a graphene sensor material embedded in the support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure is made of a viscoelastic polymer matrix, and the graphene is mixed with the matrix to form a composite. For example, the viscoelastic polymer matrix may be a lightly cross-linked polysilicone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Patent number: 10201401Abstract: A system for fabricating a dental restoration to restore a tooth at a restoration site in a dentition of a patient is disclosed. The dentition includes a restoration dental arch and an opposing dental arch. The restoration dental arch include the restoration site and the opposing dental arch is opposite the restoration dental arch. The system includes an impression apparatus, a motion capture apparatus, an interface apparatus, and a restoration design system. The impression apparatus is configured to capture an impression of the dentition of the patient. The motion capture apparatus is configured to capture a plurality of location data points that represent the locations of the opposing dental arch relative to the restoration dental arch. The interference model generation system is configured to generate an interference model for the restoration site. The restoration design system is for designing a restoration using the interference model.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Publication number: 20180310873Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
-
Patent number: 10034634Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren