Patents by Inventor Charles Albert Rudisill
Charles Albert Rudisill 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: 11957538Abstract: A temporary alignment system, methods, and accessories for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using a separable fastener using the same threads in the implant abutment used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an implant abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the implant abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods and accessories for using the separable fastener assembly or portions of it during conversion of an existing prosthesis for screw attachment or fabrication and fitting of a new prosthesis are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Smart Denture Conversions, LLCInventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Patent number: 11937992Abstract: A temporary alignment system and method for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using the same threads in the abutment that are used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods for converting an existing prosthesis for screw attachment to implants in a single visit and digital capture of the converted prosthesis are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Smart Denture Conversions, LLCInventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20240090982Abstract: A multi-unit abutment aligning a dental implant and a screw-attached prosthesis with copings is disclosed. The multi-unit abutment has a threaded base post for attachment to the implant and a ball portion. A swivel post into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at a desired tilt and azimuthal angle. The swivel shell has a mating surface for a coping. The lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the coping when the prosthesis is positioned on the implant abutments. Different embodiments are disclosed for capturing the swivel shell on the ball. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis to the implants are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20230364636Abstract: A mixing and dispensing syringe comprising a plunger, barrel and dispensing cap is disclosed. The barrel and plunger are assembled to form a shallow open container for adding reactive components and manually mixing them with a stirring paddle. The relatively wide-open top of the mixing container is proximate the dispensing end of the syringe. After mixing, the dispenser cap is attached to the open end of the barrel preferably with an interference fit. The barrel diameter is preferably comparable to the barrel length. A stop may be provided to prevent relative movement of the barrel and plunger in one or more directions. Although the syringe is designed for mixing reactive hardening components in the syringe, the ease of filling the syringe through the proximal orifice makes it useful for dispensing other materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventor: Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20230200950Abstract: A temporary alignment system, methods, and accessories for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using a separable fastener using the same threads in the implant abutment used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an implant abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the implant abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods and accessories for using the separable fastener assembly or portions of it during conversion of an existing prosthesis for screw attachment or fabrication and fitting of a new prosthesis are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2021Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20220387144Abstract: A multi-unit abutment aligning a dental implant and a screw-attached prosthesis with copings is disclosed. The multi-unit abutment has a threaded base post for attachment to the implant and a ball portion. A swivel shell surrounds the ball and may be fixed in position with a lock screw. A drive feature on the ball allows a tool passing through the lock screw to drive the base post into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at a desired tilt and azimuthal angle. The swivel shell has a mating surface for a coping. The lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the coping when the prosthesis is positioned on the implant abutments. Different embodiments are disclosed for capturing the swivel shell on the ball. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis to the implants are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20220192793Abstract: A temporary alignment system and method for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using the same threads in the abutment that are used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods for converting an existing prosthesis for screw attachment to implants in a single visit and digital capture of the converted prosthesis are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Patent number: 11311354Abstract: A temporary alignment system and method for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using the same threads in the abutment that are used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods for converting an existing prosthesis for screw attachment to implants in a single visit and digital capture of the converted prosthesis are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: SMART DENTURE CONVERSIONS, LLCInventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20210275279Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for providing rapid and accurate dental prosthetic placement on implant abutments with robotic positioning for coping pick-up processing using a provisional fastener. In an embodiment, a dental arch with an open intaglio surface is bonded onto copings that are mounted onto threaded implant abutments with axially separable fasteners through a pick-up process using the same robotic system used to install the implant abutments into bone. The robotic system may apply movement to the prosthesis to aid its removal from abutments after the copings are bonded. The prosthesis with incorporated copings can subsequently be modified for attachment with definitive screws. One embodiment includes a prosthesis with integral robotic attachment features avoiding imaging of fiducial references for proper placement. An embodiment includes temporary arch indexing features between opposing arches to provide proper occlusion during pick-up processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Patent number: 10680383Abstract: Embodiments of electrode systems having non-uniform spacing between electrodes along the axial direction for track lighting and other linear systems are disclosed. These systems may be used to provide directional flexibility for removable lighting fixtures with an asymmetric light distribution by providing a range of module position and angular mounting options. Some embodiments include electrodes which overlap continuously or at a series of discrete crossover overlap nodes to provide lateral support without external spacers. Electrode segments may be electrically and mechanically attached at overlap nodes to create extended two- and three-dimensional structures with localized planar areas. Embodiments with preferential bending regions provide additional directional capability.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Publication number: 20200107914Abstract: A temporary alignment system and method for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using the same threads in the abutment that are used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods for converting an existing prosthesis for screw attachment to implants in a single visit and digital capture of the converted prosthesis are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Brandon Dale Kofford, Charles Albert Rudisill
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Publication number: 20190036272Abstract: Embodiments of electrode systems having non-uniform spacing between electrodes along the axial direction for track lighting and other linear systems are disclosed. These systems may be used to provide directional flexibility for removable lighting fixtures with an asymmetric light distribution by providing a range of module position and angular mounting options. Some embodiments include electrodes which overlap continuously or at a series of discrete crossover overlap nodes to provide lateral support without external spacers. Electrode segments may be electrically and mechanically attached at overlap nodes to create extended two- and three-dimensional structures with localized planar areas. Embodiments with preferential bending regions provide additional directional capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: 10132452Abstract: Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: APEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: 9709258Abstract: A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: APEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: 9583871Abstract: Disclosed are interposer electrical connector embodiments including magnetic components used to facilitate interconnection of peripheral devices to standard input/output, or “I/O”, connectors (such as USB connectors) of devices such as mobile communications products (e.g. smart phones, tablets, and personal computers). The interposer connector embodiments disclosed include those in which a plurality of discrete permanent magnets are arranged with magnetic poles aligned in the same orientation perpendicular to and on one side of the electrical interface. Other embodiments include a plurality of bar permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the interface with all poles of the same type directed at the interface, but each one opposing a ferromagnetic element. These arrangements provide self-aligning capabilities useful for electrical connections that have restrictions on visibility or connection approach geometries.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: APEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Publication number: 20160327222Abstract: Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: Apex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: 9303854Abstract: An improved electrical rail system for removable and repositionable lighting or other electrical fixtures is disclosed in which electrical interface contacts are interleaved along the rail axis to provide a wide range of fixture pivoting angles around the axis and linear translation along the axis of the rail assembly. Track systems disclosed include linear electrode rails with substantially circumferential contacts configured to provide pivoting of luminaires around the rail in excess of 180 degrees to provide lighting fixture directional flexibility. Helical rail systems are also disclosed with a plurality of interleaved electrical contacts on the surface that coil around the axis of the rail providing continuous pivoting of fixtures. Embodiments include rails with axial symmetry that may be bent in directions perpendicular to the rail axis. Embodiments provide fixture functional switching through movement in a first direction followed by further movement of the fixture without functional switching.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: APEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: 9300081Abstract: Disclosed are interposer electrical connector embodiments including magnetic components used to facilitate interconnection of peripheral devices to standard input/output, or “I/O”, connectors (such as USB connectors) of devices such as mobile communications products (e.g. smart phones, tablets, and personal computers). The interposer connector embodiments disclosed include those in which a plurality of discrete permanent magnets are arranged with magnetic poles aligned in the same orientation perpendicular to and on one side of the electrical interface. Other embodiments include a plurality of bar permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the interface with all poles of the same type directed at the interface, but each one opposing a ferromagnetic element. These arrangements provide self-aligning capabilities useful for electrical connections that have restrictions on visibility or connection approach geometries.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Publication number: 20140268835Abstract: An improved electrical rail system for removable and repositionable lighting or other electrical fixtures is disclosed in which electrical interface contacts are interleaved along the rail axis to provide a wide range of fixture pivoting angles around the axis and linear translation along the axis of the rail assembly. Track systems disclosed include linear electrode rails with substantially circumferential contacts configured to provide pivoting of luminaires around the rail in excess of 180 degrees to provide lighting fixture directional flexibility. Helical rail systems are also disclosed with a plurality of interleaved electrical contacts on the surface that coil around the axis of the rail providing continuous pivoting of fixtures. Embodiments include rails with axial symmetry that may be bent in directions perpendicular to the rail axis. Embodiments provide fixture functional switching through movement in a first direction followed by further movement of the fixture without functional switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Apex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
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Patent number: D943804Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Albert Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle