Abstract: The present invention provides an intraoral X-ray system comprising: an X-ray source located in an environment; a robotic arm comprising an actuatable scissor arm, the robotic arm having a first end configured to be attached to a mounting and a second end attached to the X-ray source, at least one of the first and the second ends comprising a rotatable actuatable joint; a position sensor to determine variation of position and/or orientation of the environment with respect to the X-ray source and variation of position and/or orientation of a mobile X-ray sensor with respect to the X-ray source; and a driving unit actuating the robotic arm as a function of the determined variation of position and/or orientation to control the position and/or orientation of the X-ray source with respect to a predetermined position and/or orientation of the X-ray source.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray system mountable to a dentist’s office wall including components movable to compensate for defects in the wall’s flatness or the wall not being sufficiently perpendicular to the floor. The system also includes monitoring and compensation capabilities to compensate for drift in the position of the system’s x-ray source or patient movement before and during x-ray imaging, thereby avoiding the need for the taking of additional x-ray images and exposing the patient unnecessarily to extra x-ray dose. Additionally, the system further includes a data/signal processing unit that allows the x-ray source to be precisely moved along a predetermined trajectory and allows the system to perform computed tomosynthesis examinations of a patient. In addition, the x-ray source is attachable/detachable from the system’s robotic arm, with the system compensating automatically for the change in weight at the robotic arm’s end due to removal of the x-ray source.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for scanning material using a dental ultrasonic imaging probe comprising an ultrasonic device configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in different directions, the method comprising: receiving an item of information relating to a direction for emitting an ultrasound signal; selecting one of the received corresponding echoed ultrasound signals or the ultrasound signals to be emitted as a function of the received item of information.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method for a method of detecting an abnormality along a portion of a dental arch using scanning material comprising an ultrasonic periodontal probe configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least one emitting cone and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the method comprising moving the probe along a portion of the dental arch, while moving the probe along the portion of the dental arch: emitting an ultrasound signal within the emitting cone; measuring echoed ultrasound signals; detecting at least one anatomical structure to be investigated; measuring at least one predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure to obtain a value of the measurement of the at least one predetermined feature characterizing the detected anatomical structure; detecting an abnormality as a function of a threshold and the value of the measurement of the predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of an ultrasonic periodontal probe, the ultrasonic periodontal probe comprising a grip portion having a longitudinal axis, a support member comprising a part having a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, and an ultrasonic device fastened to the grip portion via the support member, wherein the ultrasonic device is configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in opposite directions with regard to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.

Abstract: A support apparatus for positioning a patient's head in an imaging apparatus. A main body has opposing first and second sides and supports first and second holding members for positioning against the patient's head. The first holding member has a first reference position along the first side of the main body and is coupled to a first transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. The second holding member has a second reference position along the second side of the main body and is coupled to a second transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. An extension locking mechanism within the main body locks the position of the second transport apparatus when the first holding member is moved from the first reference position and locks the position of the first transport apparatus when the second holding member is moved from the second reference position.

Abstract: A support apparatus for positioning a patient's head in an imaging apparatus. A main body has opposing first and second sides and supports first and second holding members for positioning against the patient's head. The first holding member has a first reference position along the first side of the main body and is coupled to a first transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. The second holding member has a second reference position along the second side of the main body and is coupled to a second transport apparatus that extends outward from the main body. An extension locking mechanism within the main body locks the position of the second transport apparatus when the first holding member is moved from the first reference position and locks the position of the first transport apparatus when the second holding member is moved from the second reference position.