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).

  • Publication number: 20210212803
    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: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 11058517
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka
  • Patent number: 11058520
    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 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20210093422
    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: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh
  • Patent number: 10881489
    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: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 10828133
    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: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Swift Health Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh
  • Publication number: 20200275996
    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 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Andre Weissheimer
  • Patent number: 10744070
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal administration device comprising an elongated tube or track, an anchor and a channel, which allows the proximal end of the tube or track to be wholly secured inside the mouth from where it passes down the lateral oropharynx to the desired site in the gastrointestinal tract. This system may be used to administer nutrients, fluids, medications, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and/or non-nutrient gastrointestinal stimulants or other therapies directly to a desired site in the gastrointestinal tract in humans and animals for a variety of purposes including novel applications such as weight and glucose control, local administration of medication and storage of a deposit of a therapeutic agent. It may also be used for monitoring of processes inside the gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Elizabeth Demetriades, Philong Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong
  • Publication number: 20190365507
    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: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20190365508
    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: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 10226312
    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: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 10219877
    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: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20180303583
    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: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka
  • Publication number: 20180221113
    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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Allen Huynh, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20180200151
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal administration device comprising an elongated tube or track, an anchor and a channel, which allows the proximal end of the tube or track to be wholly secured inside the mouth from where it passes down the lateral oropharynx to the desired site in the gastrointestinal tract. This system may be used to administer nutrients, fluids, medications, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and/or non-nutrient gastrointestinal stimulants or other therapies directly to a desired site in the gastrointestinal tract in humans and animals for a variety of purposes including novel applications such as weight and glucose control, local administration of medication and storage of a deposit of a therapeutic agent. It may also be used for monitoring of processes inside the gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Elizabeth Demetriades, Philong Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong
  • Publication number: 20180153651
    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: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Vijay Dhaka, Allen Huynh
  • Publication number: 20170296304
    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 18, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Robert Lee, Philong John Pham, W. Ronald Redmond
  • Publication number: 20160361141
    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: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Yong Chen, Robert Lee
  • Publication number: 20160361142
    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: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hongsheng Tong, Philong John Pham, Behrokh Khoshnevis, Yong Chen, Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 9427291
    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 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Hongsheng Tong, Yong Chen, Philong John Pham, Robert Lee