Patents by Inventor Josh Long

Josh Long 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: 20240058100
    Abstract: A method of cutting a dental aligner includes identifying, for each tooth of a plurality of teeth of a model representative of a dentition of a user, a first point and a second point based on a line around tooth (LAT) for the tooth, determining a distance between the first point and a cut plane based on a characteristic of the dentition where the distance for a first is different than the distance for a second tooth, identifying a plurality of points on a first LAT of the first tooth based on the first cut plane and a plurality of points on a second LAT of the second tooth based on the second cut plane, and defining a cut line based on the plurality of points on the first LAT and the plurality of points on the second LAT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Cherie Wilson, Josh Long, John Dargis, Tony Solarek
  • Patent number: 11883251
    Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a material formed thereon. The material includes an aligner material portion and an excess material portion. The fixture plate includes one or more channels formed in the contact face. The fixture plate includes a bore extending through the base from a bottom opening to the contact face. A portion of the bore located along the bottom opening is configured to couple with a hose of a vacuum system configured to generate a suction force at the contact face via the one or more channels. The suction force is applied to the dental model and at least part of the excess material portion to retain the dental model and the material formed thereon against the contact face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Roland Harris, Chris Sorrells
  • Patent number: 11801120
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trimming dental aligners include a cut line system for identifying a first point and a second point based on a line around tooth (LAT) for a tooth of a model representative of a dentition of a user, where the first point is disposed on a tooth-gingiva interface of the tooth. The cut line system defines a cut plane at a distance from the first point toward the second point, where the cut plane intersects a line between the first point and the second point, identifies a plurality of points on the LAT based on the cut plane, defines a cut line based on the plurality of points on the LAT and the first point, and controls a cutting system to cut the dental aligner along the cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Cherie Wilson, Josh Long, John Dargis, Tony Solarek
  • Publication number: 20230281943
    Abstract: A system includes a model generation system configured to receive one or more dental images corresponding to a dental arch of a user, generate a three-dimensional (3D) model of at least a portion of the dental arch of the user by applying the one or more dental images to a machine learning model to generate the 3D model where the machine learning model is trained based on at least one of one or more training images or one or more three-dimensional (3D) training models, and output the 3D model of the at least the portion of the dental arch to one or more computing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis, Christopher Yancey, Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 11694418
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user's dental arch based on two-dimensional (2D) images of dental impressions include a model training system that provides a machine learning model using training image(s) of a dental impression of a respective dental arch and a 3D training model of the respective dental arch. A model generation system receives first image(s) of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and second image(s), which may be of the first dental impression or a second dental impression of the dental arch. The model generation system generates a first and second 3D model of the dental arch by applying the first image(s) and second image(s) to the machine learning model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis, Christopher Yancey, Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 11446118
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a quality of a dental aligner includes receiving, by a processor, a digital dental aligner generated based on a fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes analyzing, by the processor, the digital dental aligner to identify a quality characteristic of the fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes flagging, by the processor, the fabricated dental aligner based on the identified quality characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: John Dargis, Josh Long
  • Publication number: 20220192787
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trimming dental aligners include a cut line system for identifying a first point and a second point based on a line around tooth (LAT) for a tooth of a model representative of a dentition of a user, where the first point is disposed on a tooth-gingiva interface of the tooth. The cut line system defines a cut plane at a distance from the first point toward the second point, where the cut plane intersects a line between the first point and the second point, identifies a plurality of points on the LAT based on the cut plane, defines a cut line based on the plurality of points on the LAT and the first point, and controls a cutting system to cut the dental aligner along the cut line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Cherie Wilson, Josh Long, John Dargis, Tony Solarek
  • Publication number: 20220189130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user's dental arch based on two-dimensional (2D) images of dental impressions include a model training system that provides a machine learning model using training image(s) of a dental impression of a respective dental arch and a 3D training model of the respective dental arch. A model generation system receives first image(s) of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and second image(s), which may be of the first dental impression or a second dental impression of the dental arch. The model generation system generates a first and second 3D model of the dental arch by applying the first image(s) and second image(s) to the machine learning model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis, Christopher Yancey, Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 11288410
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for marking a dental aligner. A method for marking a dental aligner includes receiving a digital model corresponding to a dental aligner. The digital model includes a dental arch comprising a plurality of teeth. The method further includes determining whether a section of teeth on a right side or a left side of the dental arch includes flatter occlusal surfaces and selecting the section with the flatter occlusal surfaces, identifying surfaces on the teeth of the selected section that are flat relative to other surfaces on the teeth of the selected section, determining a line of best fit between the flat surfaces, and marking the dental aligner with a marking based on the line of best fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Tony Solarek, Clete Culp
  • Patent number: 11273009
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trimming dental aligners include a cut line system for identifying a first point and a second point based on a line around tooth (LAT) for a tooth of a model representative of a dentition of a user, where the first point is disposed on a tooth-gingiva interface of the tooth. The cut line system defines a cut plane at a distance from the first point toward the second point, where the cut plane intersects a line between the first point and the second point, identifies a plurality of points on the LAT based on the cut plane, defines a cut line based on the plurality of points on the LAT and the first point, and controls a cutting system to cut the dental aligner along the cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Cherie Wilson, Josh Long, John Dargis, Tony Solarek
  • Patent number: 11270523
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user's dental arch based on two-dimensional (2D) images of dental impressions include a model training system that provides a machine learning model using training image(s) of a dental impression of a respective dental arch and a 3D training model of the respective dental arch. A model generation system receives first image(s) of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and second image(s), which may be of the first dental impression or a second dental impression of the dental arch. The model generation system generates a first and second 3D model of the dental arch by applying the first image(s) and second image(s) to the machine learning model. A model merging system merges the first 3D model and the second 3D model to generate a merged model of the dental arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis, Christopher Yancey, Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 11182981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user's dental arch based on two-dimensional (2D) images of dental impressions include a model training system that provides a machine learning model using training image(s) of a dental impression of a respective dental arch and a 3D training model of the respective dental arch. A model generation system receives first image(s) of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and second image(s), which may be of the first dental impression or a second dental impression of the dental arch. The model generation system generates a first and second 3D model of the dental arch by applying the first image(s) and second image(s) to the machine learning model. A model merging system merges the first 3D model and the second 3D model to generate a merged model of the dental arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis, Christopher Yancey, Andrew Wright
  • Publication number: 20210196430
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trimming dental aligners include a cut line system for identifying a first point and a second point based on a line around tooth (LAT) for a tooth of a model representative of a dentition of a user, where the first point is disposed on a tooth-gingiva interface of the tooth. The cut line system defines a cut plane at a distance from the first point toward the second point, where the cut plane intersects a line between the first point and the second point, identifies a plurality of points on the LAT based on the cut plane, defines a cut line based on the plurality of points on the LAT and the first point, and controls a cutting system to cut the dental aligner along the cut line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Cherie Wilson, Josh Long, John Dargis, Tony Solarek
  • Publication number: 20210174604
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user's dental arch based on two-dimensional (2D) images of dental impressions include a model training system that provides a machine learning model using training image(s) of a dental impression of a respective dental arch and a 3D training model of the respective dental arch. A model generation system receives first image(s) of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and second image(s), which may be of the first dental impression or a second dental impression of the dental arch. The model generation system generates a first and second 3D model of the dental arch by applying the first image(s) and second image(s) to the machine learning model. A model merging system merges the first 3D model and the second 3D model to generate a merged model of the dental arch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Josh Long, Jordan Katzman, Tim Wucher, John Dargis
  • Publication number: 20210153987
    Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a material formed thereon. The material includes an aligner material portion and an excess material portion. The fixture plate includes one or more channels formed in the contact face. The fixture plate includes a bore extending through the base from a bottom opening to the contact face. A portion of the bore located along the bottom opening is configured to couple with a hose of a vacuum system configured to generate a suction force at the contact face via the one or more channels. The suction force is applied to the dental model and at least part of the excess material portion to retain the dental model and the material formed thereon against the contact face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Roland Harris, Chris Sorrells
  • Patent number: 11007042
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for marking models for dental aligner fabrication. A method for producing a physical model of teeth including a three-dimensional marking includes receiving a first digital model of teeth in an alignment position and selecting a location for marking a physical model of the teeth in the alignment position with a three-dimensional marking, the physical model to be fabricated based on the first digital model. The method also includes generating a second digital model of the teeth in the alignment position based on the first digital model, the second digital model representing the physical model and including the three-dimensional marking at the marking location, and using a three-dimensional fabrication method to fabricate the physical model including the three-dimensional marking from the second digital model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Tony Solarek, Daniel Pfeffer, Clete Culp
  • Patent number: 10959817
    Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a model identifier on a bottom surface. A bore extends through the base to one or more channels formed in the contact face and that extend from the bore. A viewing port extends through the base and has a transparent material inserted therein to seal the viewing port at the contact face. The viewing port and the transparent material enable the model identifier to be accessed from underneath the contact face when the dental model is on the contact face. A protrusion extends from the contact face and is configured to interface with an aperture of the dental model to retain the dental model in a specific orientation. The channels are configured to provide a suction force applied through the bore to hold the dental model against the contact face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Roland Harris, Chris Sorrells
  • Patent number: 10964121
    Abstract: Technologies for merging three-dimensional models of dental impressions include a computing device that generates multiple three-dimensional models that are each indicative of a dental impression of a user's dental arch. The models may be generated by scanning the dental impressions. The computing device determines whether a model is indicative of the complete anatomy of the user's arch and, if not, merges multiple models with a merge strategy to generate a merged model. The models may be merged by aligning geometry of the models, selecting geometry from one of the models using the merge strategy, and generating the merged model that includes the selected geometry. The merge strategy may include selecting from the model associated with the dental impression that includes the most detail of the user's anatomy or selecting from the model with the greatest depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Christopher Yancey, Josh Long
  • Patent number: 10925691
    Abstract: A method of cutting a dental aligner includes identifying a gingival line in a model representative of a user's dentition where the gingival line is an interface of a teeth portion and a gingival portion of the model, generating a plurality of points in the gingival portion of the model where each point of the plurality of points is generated at a threshold distance from the gingival line, generating a cut line that intersects at least some of the points of the plurality of points, and controlling a cutting system to cut the dental aligner along the cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Christopher Yancey, Josh Long, Tony Solarek, Ian Kitching
  • Publication number: 20210045845
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a quality of a dental aligner includes receiving, by a processor, a digital dental aligner generated based on a fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes analyzing, by the processor, the digital dental aligner to identify a quality characteristic of the fabricated dental aligner. The method also includes flagging, by the processor, the fabricated dental aligner based on the identified quality characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: John Dargis, Josh Long