Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Valenti

Thomas C. Valenti 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: 20240099941
    Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreeram Balasubramanian, Tyler Arthur Gubb, . Akash, Thomas C. Valenti, Yan Yang, Kevin Michael Recor
  • Patent number: 11839665
    Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreeram Balasubramanian, Tyler Arthur Gubb, Akash, Thomas C. Valenti, Yan Yang, Kevin Michael Recor
  • Publication number: 20200107996
    Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Sreeram Balasubramanian, Tyler Arthur Gubb, Akash, Thomas C. Valenti, Yan Yang, Kevin Michael Recor
  • Patent number: 10532008
    Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreeram Balasubramanian, Tyler Arthur Gubb, Akash, Thomas C. Valenti, Yan Yang, Kevin Michael Recor
  • Patent number: 10479729
    Abstract: Shaded, zirconia ceramic materials are disclosed that are suitable for use in dental applications. Ceramic bodies are made from a zirconia-containing ceramic material and a coloring composition comprising a terbium (Tb)-containing component and a chromium (Cr)-containing component as a coloring agent. The pre-shaded ceramic body is machinable into a dental restoration either as a bisque body or sintered body. A pre-shaded machinable sintered ceramic body may obviate the need for further processing steps, such as shading or sintering, and may be suitable for use in chair-side machining applications, such as in a dentist's office, significantly reducing the time to create a custom finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Valenti, Kevin Michael Recor
  • 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: 20180235847
    Abstract: A zirconia ceramic material for use in dental applications is provided comprising an yttria-stabilized zirconia material comprising from 4.5 mol % to 5.1 mol % yttria. Optionally, the zirconia ceramic has a coloring agent that may comprise one or more metals selected from terbium (Tb), chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), and cobalt (Co), and further, may, optionally, comprise alumina, which if present may be in an amount from 0 wt % to 0.25 wt %. The zirconia ceramic materials exhibit both enhanced translucency and a flexural strength of at least 800 MPa when fully sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Sreeram Balasubramanian, Tyler Arthur Gubb, Akash, Thomas C. Valenti, Yan Yang, Kevin Michael Recor
  • Publication number: 20180237345
    Abstract: Shaded, zirconia ceramic materials are disclosed that are suitable for use in dental applications. Ceramic bodies are made from a zirconia-containing ceramic material and a coloring composition comprising a terbium (Tb)-containing component and a chromium (Cr)-containing component as a coloring agent. The pre-shaded ceramic body is machinable into a dental restoration either as a bisque body or sintered body. A pre-shaded machinable sintered ceramic body may obviate the need for further processing steps, such as shading or sintering, and may be suitable for use in chair-side machining applications, such as in a dentist's office, significantly reducing the time to create a custom finished product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas C. Valenti, Kevin Michael Recor
  • 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
  • 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