Abstract: A dental instrument assembly includes a motion-tracking hexapod including a plurality of telescoping members each connected at one end to a first frame and at an opposite end to a second frame and further including a plurality of linear transducers each operatively coupled to a respective one of the telescoping members for generating a signal indicative of a degree of extension of the respective one of the telescoping members. A generally U-shaped bracket is connected to the first frame for mounting the first frame to a row of teeth in a patient's mouth, and a dental instrument or probe is mounted to the second frame. A computer connected to the transducers is connected to other computers via the Internet for enabling dental data exchange.

Abstract: A dental instrument assembly includes a motion-tracking hexapod including a plurality of telescoping members each connected at one end to a first frame and at an opposite end to a second frame and further including a plurality of linear transducers each operatively coupled to a respective one of the telescoping members for generating a signal indicative of a degree of extension of the respective one of the telescoping members. A generally U-shaped bracket is connected to the first frame for mounting the first frame to a row of teeth in a patient's mouth, and a dental instrument or probe is mounted to the second frame. A computer connected to the transducers is connected to other computers via the Internet for enabling dental data exchange.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an arrangement for the remote sensing and recordation of information about a body component. The arrangement includes a stylus held within a support head. The support head has an electrode therein for the detection and recordation of stylus contact with a body component. A plurality of parallelogram linkages articulably support the stylus. The linkages have a first or input end and a second or output end. A motion tracking generator is attached to the output end of linkages. A sensor is arranged to receive and record signals from the tracking generator in a plurality of orthogonal planes, so as to permit the generation and recordation of contours, location and domain of the body component being sensed by the stylus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an arrangement for the remote sensing and recordation of information about a body component. The arrangement includes a stylus held within a support head. The support head has an electrode therein for the detection and recordation of stylus contact with a body component. A plurality of parallelogram linkages articulably support the stylus. The linkages have a first or input end and a second or output end. A motion tracking generator is attached to the output end of linkages. A sensor is arranged to receive and record signals from the tracking generator in a plurality of orthogonal planes, so as to permit the generation and recordation of contours, location and domain of the body component being sensed by the stylus.

Abstract: A system for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a computer, a first data generating device, a second data generating device, a display, an instruction input device and an output device. The first data generating device is operatively connected to the computer for providing the computer with electrically encoded data specifying a three-dimensional surface of the object, while the second data generating device is operatively connected to the computer for providing the computer with electrically encoded data specifying a curvilinear contour of the object. The display is responsive to signals from the computer for displaying a three-dimensional graphic representation of the object in accordance with data from the first data generating device and the second data generating device.

Abstract: A method for use in forming a preparation in a patient's jaw comprises the steps of (a) generating electrically encoded data specifying pre-existing dental structure in the patient's jaw, (b) transmitting the data to a computer, (c) operating the computer to generate, on a monitor connected to the computer, a graphic representation of the pre-existing structure, (d) further operating the computer to predetermine an optimal position and an optimal orientation of a material removal tool with respect to the pre-existing structure, and (e) additionally operating the computer to generate, on the monitor, a graphic representation of the tool in the optimal position and the optimal orientation relative to the pre-existing structure. The method may be used to conduct a practice operation on the patient. In such a practice operation, the dental practitioner orients a dental type instrument (e.g., a probe or a drill) in juxtaposition to the pre-existing structure at the optimal position (shown on the monitor).

Abstract: A tooth preparation or dental restoration modification apparatus comprises a material removal device for removing material from an object such as a tooth or dental restoration form, a guide element operatively connected to the material removal device for enabling a guiding of the material removal device under the control of an operator, and a light projector for projecting a visible point of light onto a predetermined location on the object, thereby serving as an indicator to the operator that material is to be removed from the object at the location.

Abstract: In a method for collecting via a video camera three-dimensional surface information in dental applications, a tape strip is applied to a tooth surface to provide a distance reference or standard for use by a computer in analyzing the video data to determine actual distances. The tape strips are additionally provided with identification markings identifying the type of surfaces and the teeth to which the tape strips are attached. Slots are provided for facilitating observation and digitization of tooth surface data, the side walls of the slots also serving as shoulders for guiding a contour tracing instrument. Various devices are disclosed for facilitating the attachment of the tape strips to the tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A system for use in preparing a dental prosthesis comprises a signal generator for generating an electrical signal encoding geometric specifications of a dental prosthesis, the specifications including dimensions and shape of a tooth preparation at a dental site at which the prosthesis is to be affixed and configuration of the prosthesis. The system further comprises a robot mechanism for placing a first mold component and a second mold component, selected in accordance with the electrical signal, in predetermined relative positions to form a mold cavity, the first mold component corresponding in shape and dimensions to the tooth preparation. The system also comprises a filling device, a furnace and a computer. The filling device serves to introduce into the mold cavity a quantity of a fluidic solidifiable dental material such as a liquid or liquifiable precious metal or alloy or composite material. The metal or alloy may be in any of a number of equivalent forms, for example, powder, pellets or ingots.

Abstract: A device for use in a dental or medical application to obtain three-dimensional contour information comprises a multiplicity of arm segments, first mounting elements for connecting the arm segments to one another to form an articulated assembly of the arm segments. A second mounting element serves to fix the articulated assembly relative to a person's head, while a third mounting element is provided for attaching a diagnostic or medical treatment instrument to the articulated assembly at a point spaced from the second mounting element. A feedback component or components are operatively coupled with at least some of the arm segments for providing electrical signal feedback data as to positions of the arm segments relative to one another, thereby providing information as to the position of the instrument relative to the person's head.

Abstract: A device for providing a computer with electrically encoded data specifying curvilinear contours of an object comprises a manipulable frame member, componentry for establishing a reference position, a plurality of stylus elements, and means for measuring displacements of the stylii along respective axes. The componentry for establishing a reference position includes circuits for transmitting to the computer an electrical signal encoding a location of a reference point on the frame member. The stylus elements are each slidably mounted to the frame member for motion along respective axes extending at least partially parallel to one another. The means for measuring or detecting stylus displacements is operatively connected to the stylus elements for transmitting to the computer electrical signals encoding displacements of the stylii along the respective axes.

Abstract: A method for use in preparing a dental prosthesis comprises the step of receiving an electrical signal encoding geometric specifications of a substructure of the prosthesis, the specifications including dimensions and shape of a tooth preparation at a dental site at which the prosthesis is to be affixed and the configuration of the substructure. In a subsequent step performed in response to the electrical signal, a computer is operated to automatically select a first mold component having a surface corresponding in dimensions to the tooth preparation and to automatically select a second mold component to produce, in cooperation with the first mold component, a mold cavity having dimensions and configuration corresponding to dimensions and configuration of the substructure. The first mold component and the second mold component are placed in predetermined relative positions to form the mold cavity and the mold cavity is filled with a quantity of a fluidic solidifiable dental material, i.e.

Abstract: A mechanical support for holding a dental medical instrument includes multiple segments which are mounted to one another to provide six degrees of freedom of motion for an instrument supported at one end of the support arm. At each juncture or joint between segments, a positioning encoder provides an electrical signal which indicates the motion of one of the segments relative to the adjacent segment. The combined encoder outputs provides information concerning all six degrees of freedom of motion and thus provides a signal which tracks with the motion of the operating instrument. A slave probe coupled to the operating end of the instrument provides a technique of either commanding the positioning of the instrument or, alternatively, tracking with the position of the instrument. The slave probe thus executes a three dimensional contour that is the same as the three dimensional surface traced by the instrument.

Abstract: A dental probe having a stylus which is connected through a rod to a three position transducer which produces three signals indicating the position of the probe at any point to which the probe is applied. The transducers are mounted on an index tray which is adapted to be fastened to the jaw of the patient. Thus the patient's jaw becomes the origin against which all measurements are made. A handle is connected to the probe in such a fashion that the dentist has three rotational degrees of freedom of movement without affecting the position of the end of the stylus. Contact between the tip of the stylus and the patient's tissue completes a circuit to turn on the recording mechanism which receives the transducers' outputs.

Abstract: A porcelain preform is ultrasonically shaped by a metal model of the prepared tooth and by a metal model of the counter, both models acting as ultrasonic drills. A wax preform having a porcelain front surface congruent to the porcelain preform is used to provide indexing of the porcelain preform.