Patents by Inventor Hongsheng Tong

Hongsheng Tong 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: 11957536
    Abstract: Hybrid orthodontic archwire designs are disclosed. Hybrid archwires may have bracket-archwire sections and interproximal archwire sections in which each section can vary in cross-section shape, size, and/or material properties. Bracket-archwire sections may be configured to promote torque control and may have rectangular cross-sections. Interproximal archwire sections may be configured to be bent into force-promoting loops and may have round cross sections. Each archwire section may be straight or bent into any shape. Hybrid archwires may have sliding sections and non-sliding sections. Non-sliding sections may have male connectors configured to prevent the archwire from sliding relative to the orthodontic brackets and/or may have cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or coatings that resist sliding relative to sliding sections. Sliding sections may have linear archwire segments. Hybrid archwires may have distal or posterior non-sliding sections and an intermediate anterior or medial sliding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20240090980
    Abstract: An archform configured to move a patient's teeth using non-sliding mechanics. The archform can include a double loop between two bracket connectors. The archform can include one or more hooks extending from bracket connectors to couple with elastics. The archform can include narrowed-width bracket connectors for overcrowded teeth. The archform can include interproximal segments between adjacent bracket connectors that include multiple interproximal members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Todd Oda, Scott C. Schwartz, Andres Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11911971
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating indirect bonding trays are disclosed. Physical models of a patient's teeth can be created with non-functional placeholder brackets, impressions of which can be transferred to indirect bonding trays. This can create wells in which functional brackets can be placed into, reducing errors created from transferring functional brackets from the physical model onto the indirect bonding trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh
  • Publication number: 20240058101
    Abstract: Non-sliding orthodontic appliances may include an archwire having male fasteners for locking in place with brackets in a non-sliding manner and interproximal loops for exerting forces on the brackets. Appropriate forces may be calculated according to vectors between initial and ideal tooth positions. The brackets may be transferred to a patient's teeth using indirect bonding trays which contain slots for holding and aligning each bracket. The trays may include integrated handles for facilitating handling, may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier application, and/or may be labeled for facilitating proper registration. Superposition of a digital placement plan and clinical model after bonding may illustrate the accuracy of bracket placement. The archwire may comprise atraumatic ends to avoid patient discomfort. A color registration system can be used to facilitate the attachment of the archwire to the brackets. The archwire may be locked into place with the brackets using crimpable stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka
  • Publication number: 20230339189
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating indirect bonding trays are disclosed. Physical models of a patient’s teeth can be created with non-functional placeholder brackets, impressions of which can be transferred to indirect bonding trays. This can create wells in which functional brackets can be placed into, reducing errors created from transferring functional brackets from the physical model onto the indirect bonding trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh
  • Patent number: 11612458
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and method for preconditioning lingual tissue for lingual orthodontic treatment, including the application of lingual braces. Protuberances may be affixed to the lingual surfaces of one or more of a patient's teeth prior to the introduction of an orthodontic appliance to allow time for the tongue to adapt to the presence of foreign structures. The protuberances may promote keratinization of the lingual tissue. The protuberances may be removed prior to the application of the orthopedic appliance. The protuberances can be pre-fabricated or fabricated in situ on the surfaces of the teeth. The protuberances may be any suitable material, including metal, polymer, or ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka
  • Patent number: 11612459
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating indirect bonding trays are disclosed. Physical models of a patient's teeth can be created with non-functional placeholder brackets, impressions of which can be transferred to indirect bonding trays. This can create wells in which functional brackets can be placed into, reducing errors created from transferring functional brackets from the physical model onto the indirect bonding trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh
  • Publication number: 20230070165
    Abstract: Methods of administering a quantity of adhesive to bond orthodontic brackets is disclosed herein. The quantity of adhesive to bond a selected bracket to a tooth at a specific location thereon can be calculated based on a known geometry of the selected bracket and a digital model of the patient's teeth. A instruction guide can visually indicate with a graphic the amount of adhesive to dispense from a syringe or other device to bond the selected bracket to the surface of the tooth at a specific location planned in the digital model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Jichele Sanders, Shermaine Dayot, Ishan Shinde
  • Patent number: 11517405
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11510758
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11510757
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20220183797
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20220168072
    Abstract: An orthodontic indirect bonding tray that may transfer orthodontic brackets, bite turbo, and/or orthodontic auxiliaries is disclosed. The indirect bonding tray may be digitally designed and 3D printed or fabricated based on a bonding model. The indirect bonding tray may transfer the orthodontic brackets, bite turbos, and orthodontic auxiliaries to any tooth surface. The indirect bonding tray may be designed to transfer bite turbos that vary in size, shape, and the amount of bite opening or functional correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Andre Weissheimer
  • Publication number: 20220087783
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20220061964
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20220031428
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20220023009
    Abstract: Non-sliding orthodontic appliances may include an archwire having male fasteners for locking in place with brackets in a non-sliding manner and interproximal loops for exerting forces on the brackets. Appropriate forces may be calculated according to vectors between initial and ideal tooth positions. The brackets may be transferred to a patient's teeth using indirect bonding trays which contain slots for holding and aligning each bracket. The trays may include integrated handles for facilitating handling, may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier application, and/or may be labeled for facilitating proper registration. Superposition of a digital placement plan and clinical model after bonding may illustrate the accuracy of bracket placement. The archwire may comprise atraumatic ends to avoid patient discomfort. A color registration system can be used to facilitate the attachment of the archwire to the brackets. The archwire may be locked into place with the brackets using crimpable stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka
  • Publication number: 20210330430
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11129696
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20210244505
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance can include an archwire, ties, and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire can include multiple male fasteners and interproximal loops. Each male fastener may be inserted into an orthodontic bracket and tied into place. The male fastener may not be able to slide relative to the orthodontic bracket after it is tied to the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, W. Ronald Redmond