Patents by Inventor Michael Knee

Michael Knee 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: 20240002136
    Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a flowable dental composition, comprising: a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and second layer form a first chamber for containing a flowable dental composition, a transition zone, and a second chamber; an applicator retained within the second chamber; wherein the first chamber has a first concave surface formed in the first layer and a second concave surface formed in the second layer; wherein the device includes an inactive state and an active state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Andreas J. Boehm, Dieter Poschmann, Michael Knee, Martin Preininger
  • Publication number: 20210114781
    Abstract: A method of monolithically forming a flip-top cap from a thermoplastic material and a flip-top cap for dispensing a flowable dental substance. The flip-top cap has a base from which a dropper nose protrudes and a closure. The base and the closure are hingedly connected to each other by a living hinge for pivoting between a closed position, in which the closure closes the dropper nose, and an open position, in which the dropper nose is uncovered from the closure. The method has the steps of injection molding the flip-top cap in the open position in an injection molding device and positioning the closure and the base toward the closed position while the flip-top cap is still the injection molding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Andreas J. Boehm, Marc Peuker, Michael Knee
  • Patent number: 10279935
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plunger, a plunger assembly, and a system for storing a substance or substances, preferably flowable substances, and a method of filling and sealing a substance in a storing system. In particular, the present invention provides for substantially air-free filling and storing of substances in a delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Arno Hohmann, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee, Bruce R. Broyles
  • Patent number: 9999484
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Rüdiger Hampe, Christoph Schulte, Michael Knee, Andreas Maurer
  • Patent number: 9844796
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plunger, a plunger assembly, and a system for storing a substance or substances, preferably flowable substances, and a method of filling and sealing a substance in a storing system. In particular, the present invention provides for substantially air-free filling and storing of substances in a delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Arno Hohmann, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee, Bruce R. Broyles
  • Publication number: 20170197740
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a plunger, a plunger assembly, and a system for storing a substance or substances, preferably flowable substances, and a method of filling and sealing a substance in a storing system. In particular, the present invention provides for substantially air-free filling and storing of substances in a delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Arno Hohmann, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee, Bruce R. Broyles
  • Patent number: 9351806
    Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental substance which has a container for receiving the dental substance, a piston movable in the container, a catch for engagement by an applicator, and further a resilient resilient adapter. The device may be used in different types of applicators and is relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Marc Peuker, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, Andreas Maurer
  • Patent number: 9211168
    Abstract: Provided is a capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce R. Broyles, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Andreas J. Boehm, Hubert Schloegl, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, John W. Dubbe, Arno Hohmann, Darin J. Meyertholen, Dean K. Reidt, Steven J. Maxa, Urs Mahnel
  • Patent number: 9138302
    Abstract: A method of making a dental workpiece is provided. The method comprises the steps of suspending machining of the workpiece, exposing the workpiece to a first air jet; and causing relative movement between the first air jet and the workpiece under numeric control. The method may facilitate manufacturing of dental workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael K. Schaaf, Christian A. Richter, Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee, Bastian P. Kirchner, Bernd K. Burger
  • Patent number: 9005178
    Abstract: A dispensing cartridge, particularly for dental impression materials, formed from a plastic material having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and including a metal reinforcement tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Knee, Dirk Mueller, Ingo W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150024341
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: HELMUT PAUSER, RÜDIGER HAMPE, CHRISTOPH SCHULTE, MICHAEL KNEE, ANDREAS MAURER
  • Patent number: 8882502
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Rüdiger Hampe, Christoph Schulte, Michael Knee, Andreas Maurer
  • Patent number: 8794433
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package assembly for placing it on a surface and for storing and/or delivering substances, preferably dental substances, comprising: at least one container with at least one base and at least one lid; and at least one hinge connecting the base and the lid; wherein the base and the lid comprise at least a first and second lever; the first and second levers are provided at the container essentially on the side of the hinge and; a projection of the first lever onto the surface and the second lever extend with their free ends essentially in a direction away from the hinge; and wherein the container can be opened or the lid can be removed from the base by moving the ends of the first and second lever towards to each other. The invention is further directed to a method for providing dental substances, a kit with an assembly, as well as the use of an assembly and a method for storing and/or delivering dental substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Arno Hohmann, Dieter Poschmann, Michael Knee
  • Patent number: 8561845
    Abstract: Capsule (10) for two or more components of a material which are to be mixed together, comprising a cartridge (11) comprising an outlet (12), a first component chamber (13) for containing a first component, and a second component chamber (14) for containing a second component, the two chambers (13, 14) opening into the outlet (12); and a piston (15) which at least with its front end sits in the cartridge (11), lies with its rear end outside the component chambers (13, 14) and, when it is pushed forwards, presses the two components out of their component chambers (13, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Dean K Reidt, Darin J Meyertholen, Bruce R Broyles, Robert Lee, Robert M Biegler, Arno Hohmann, Marc Peuker, Michael Knee
  • Patent number: 8328553
    Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce R. Broyles, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Andreas J. Boehm, Hubert Schloegl, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, John W. Dubbe, Arno Hohmann, Darin J. Meyertholen, Dean K. Reidt, Steven J. Maxa, Urs Mahnel
  • Patent number: 8251254
    Abstract: A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovatives Properties Company
    Inventors: Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee
  • Publication number: 20120115103
    Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental substance which has a container for receiving the dental substance, a piston movable in the container, a catch for engagement by an applicator, and further a resilient resilient adapter. The device may be used in different types of applicators and is relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Marc Peuker, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, Andreas Maurer
  • Publication number: 20110253734
    Abstract: A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee
  • Publication number: 20110211929
    Abstract: A method of making a dental workpiece is provided. The method comprises the steps of suspending machining of the workpiece, exposing the workpiece to a first air jet; and causing relative movement between the first air jet and the workpiece under numeric control. The method may facilitate manufacturing of dental workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael K. Schaaf, Christian A. Richter, Sebastian Guggenmos, Michael Knee, Bastian P. Kirchner, Bernd K. Burger
  • Publication number: 20110151403
    Abstract: A device for use in retracting a gingiva from a human tooth by widening a gingival sulcus with a dental composition. The device comprises a cannula with a free end having an opening for dispensing the dental composition. The free end is shaped to be inserted with its front in the entry of the gingival sulcus, and to laterally displace the gingiva from the tooth as the cannula is moved in the gingival sulcus. The invention may help to achieve a reliable and cost effective gingival retraction treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Rüdiger Hampe, Christoph Schulte, Michael Knee, Andreas Maurer