Patents by Inventor Frank A. Jimenez

Frank A. Jimenez 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: 10202306
    Abstract: In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia ceramic material used for making dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 10196312
    Abstract: A colored ceramic powder is produced from a mixture of coloring solutions consisting of metallic salts that are introduced to a ceramic slurry and subsequently dried. The coloring solution may comprise for example of chosen metallic salts, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, an acid and a possible binder. Once all the constituents are thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous state, the slip is dried to a powder form, which spray drying equipment can be used. The dried powder can then be subjected to an isostatic or biaxial press manufacturing process to create a green state ceramic body. Once pressed, the ceramic body can be subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20170044068
    Abstract: In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia ceramic material used for making dental restorations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20170044067
    Abstract: A colored ceramic powder is produced from a mixture of coloring solutions consisting of metallic salts that are introduced to a ceramic slurry and subsequently dried. The coloring solution may comprise for example of chosen metallic salts, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, an acid and a possible binder. Once all the constituents are thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous state, the slip is dried to a powder form, which spray drying equipment can be used. The dried powder can then be subjected to an isostatic or biaxial press manufacturing process to create a green state ceramic body. Once pressed, the ceramic body can be subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9512317
    Abstract: A colored ceramic powder is produced from a mixture of coloring solutions consisting of metallic salts that are introduced to a ceramic slurry and subsequently dried. The coloring solution may comprise for example of chosen metallic salts, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, an acid and a possible binder. Once all the constituents are thoroughly mixed to a homogeneous state, the slip is dried to a powder form, which spray drying equipment can be used. The dried powder can then be subjected to an isostatic or biaxial press manufacturing process to create a green state ceramic body. Once pressed, the ceramic body can be subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: James R. Glidwell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9505662
    Abstract: In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia ceramic material used for making dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20160251268
    Abstract: In a method of coloring a ceramic material, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry. In a slip casting process, a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to a ceramic slurry which is cast into green state bodies. A coloring solution that may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. In a method, the coloring solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which a ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia ceramic material used for making dental restorations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9365459
    Abstract: Coloring in a slip casting process by which a ceramic slurry is cast into green state bodies. It is during this slip casting that a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to the slurry and subsequently slip-cast. A coloring solution may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. The solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which the ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9095403
    Abstract: A coloring liquid especially for shading pre-sintered ceramic dental restorations, utilizes a combination of metal salt, solvent and acid to achieve natural tooth coloring of standard dental shades. By adjusting the respective ingredients, different shades can be provided and color penetration can be sufficient to preserve aesthetics in the sintered restoration even when some of the ceramic material is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20140101869
    Abstract: A coloring liquid especially for shading pre-sintered ceramic dental restorations, utilizes a combination of metal salt, solvent and acid to achieve natural tooth coloring of standard dental shades. By adjusting the respective ingredients, different shades can be provided and color penetration can be sufficient to preserve aesthetics in the sintered restoration even when some of the ceramic material is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20130231239
    Abstract: Coloring in a slip casting process by which a ceramic slurry is cast into green state bodies. It is during this slip casting that a coloring solution consisting of metallic salts is introduced to the slurry and subsequently slip-cast. A coloring solution may comprise for example a metallic salt, a solvent, an organic solvent such as derivatives of propylene oxides, and an acid can be introduced to the slip casting process. Such a coloring solution can be added to the slip casting process. The solution is thoroughly mixed with the ceramic slurry, after which the ceramic body is cast, dried and finally subjected to a sintering process. After final sinter, the resulting ceramic body possesses an innate color that is homogenous throughout its composition. The method is especially useful for coloring zirconia dental restorations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Robin A. Carden, Thomas C. Valenti, Frank A. Jimenez
  • Patent number: D673240
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Frank Jimenez