Patents by Inventor Craig Hines

Craig Hines 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: 11877737
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 11020103
    Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Publication number: 20200397535
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 10765493
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Publication number: 20190269312
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Patent number: 10307049
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Publication number: 20180318041
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Publication number: 20180193012
    Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 10016258
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 9901332
    Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Publication number: 20160270880
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Patent number: 9387054
    Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Curtis Pontynen
  • Publication number: 20160022381
    Abstract: Cheek retraction devices including an upper frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of an upper dental arch, a lower frame element configured to bear against and retract soft oral tissue from one or more teeth of a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame elements may each include left and right frame portions wherein the upper and lower left frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on one side of the frame, while upper and lower right frame portions are joined to one another to form a v-shaped hinge on another side of the frame. The v-shaped hinges on opposed sides permit the upper and lower frame elements to be at least partially folded toward each other. A posterior frame element may be provided extending between the v-shaped hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Publication number: 20160008094
    Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: 8939855
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and kits adapted and configured to convert engine systems to enable the engine to use wider belts. The engine systems suitable for conversion can include, for example, an internal combustion engine, an electric alternator driven by the engine from its mechanical power take off, all disposed in an engine compartment. The mechanical power take-off includes a belt pulley connected to a free end of an engine crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Balmar Acquistion LLC
    Inventors: Craig Hines, Dustin Harlan Cram
  • Patent number: D737964
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: D761958
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: D763444
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: D792590
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines
  • Patent number: D820445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Craig Hines