Patents Issued in July 6, 2017
  • CATHETER WITH BENDABLE TIP
    Publication number: 20170189104
    Abstract: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A coupling member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and includes a tubular piece of an elastic material having a helical cut therethrough along a portion of a length of the piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Ariel Garcia
  • ABLATION CATHETER WITH HIGH-RESOLUTION ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20170189105
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Dorin Panescu, Eric Andrew Schultheis, Josef Vincent Koblish, Jessi E. Johnson
  • TISSUE MAPPING AND TREATMENT
    Publication number: 20170189106
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for mapping and treating tissue during a medical procedure. In some cases, a device includes a mesh of wires with sensors coupled thereto. The device can be coupled to an expandable treatment element. The expandable treatment element can include multiple segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Schuler, David Bernstein, David G. Matsuura, Philip J. Simpson
  • MODULAR DISC ARRAY FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE MEDICAL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170189107
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a stacked array of discs electrically coupled together where each disc includes an electrical component. In certain embodiments, a minimally-invasive medical device includes a stack of transducer platforms positioned within the minimally-invasive medical device. Each platform includes a plurality of electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Wulfman, Daniel J. Foster, Matthew Hein, Kevin R. Poppe, Bethanie H. Stadler
  • ABLATION SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED SWEEPING ABLATION ENERGY ELEMENT
    Publication number: 20170189108
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ablation instruments and methods of use thereof, in particular to ablation catheters and methods for an automated sweeping ablation element. The automated sweeping ablation element is configured to provide ablative energy to an initial ablation site and move a predetermined number of degrees to one or both sides of the site in an arcuate path using a sweeping motion while still providing the ablative energy. The sweeping movement of the ablation element can be automated via input parameters entered by a user via a graphical user interface or other device (controller).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald Melsky, Brian Estabrook
  • ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170189109
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises an elongated tube (6) having a tubular wall (13) and a proximal end and a distal end, and an elongate sheath (3) into which the tube (6) is inserted. The tube constites a conduit (11) though which ionisable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube includes one or more apertures (20) in the tube such that the ionisable gas is capable of exiting the tube in the region of the distal end of the tube. An intermediate sleeve (14) is provided into which the elongated tube (6) is inserted, and a tube handle (17) is attached to the proximal end of the tube. A sleeve handle (18) prevents the sleeve (14) from rotating, such that actuation of the handle (17) causes the flexible elongated tube to rotate within the intermediate sleeve (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Kelvin John VARNEY
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CATHETER
    Publication number: 20170189110
    Abstract: A catheter suitable for delivering an electric current to the body, in particular a catheter having electrodes that can be positioned independently of the main elongate shaft of the catheter. More particularly the catheters include a movable sleeve that incorporates the electrodes. A movable sleeve includes one or more electrodes and advances in the construction of the electrodes and related components is disclosed. Methods for positioning electrodes at a treatment site in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, particularly electrical pharyngeal stimulation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: PHAGENESIS LIMITED
    Inventor: Conor Mulrooney
  • MULTIFUNCTION MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20170189111
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. SCOPTON, Thinh D. NGUYEN, Stephen J. PERRY
  • DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING TISSUE REGIONS OF THE BODY
    Publication number: 20170189112
    Abstract: Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Mederi Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. West, John W. Gaiser, Robin Bek, David S. Utley, Patrick Rimroth
  • Method of surgical perforation via the delivery of energy
    Publication number: 20170189113
    Abstract: A method of perforating a tissue of a heart of a patient when an inferior approach to the heart is contraindicated. The method utilizes an electrosurgical apparatus and a delivery system comprising at least two dilators wherein a first dilator is configured for facilitating positioning of the electrosurgical apparatus adjacent the tissue and wherein a second dilator is configured for advancement through a perforation in the tissue. An outer diameter of the second dilator is substantially equal to or less than an outer diameter of the first dilator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: John Paul Urbanski, Matthew Paul Joseph DiCicco, Bahe Hachem, Gareth Davies, Amanda Hartley, Naheed Visram, Krishan Shah, Frank Baylis
  • ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DUAL RADIOFREQUENCY AND MICROWAVE ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY
    Publication number: 20170189114
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for delivering radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and microwave frequency EM energy from a coaxial feed cable through an instrument tip into tissue. The instrument tip comprises a dielectric body separating first and second conductive elements, which act as active and return electrodes to convey the RF EM radiation by conduction, and as an antenna to radiate the microwave EM radiation. The instrument also has a fluid feed incorporated into its tip, e.g. in an additional dielectric element mounted on the underside of the tip, for delivering fluid. The delivered fluid may be a gas plasma to assist treatment or a liquid to plump up a tissue region before treatment. The instrument may fit in an endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Paul HANCOCK, Martin Wynford Booton
  • MICROWAVE ENERGY-DELIVERY DEVICE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170189115
    Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
  • FIBER OPTIC LASER SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A RADIAL DISPERSION PATTERN
    Publication number: 20170189116
    Abstract: A fiber optic probe that eliminates extreme tip temperatures by radiating laser energy in a radial, 360° pattern from the surface of an exposed fiber optic tip is disclosed. In an embodiment, a fiber optic core is configured to operatively engage with a source of laser energy at a proximal end of the fiber optic tip, and, at a distal end of the fiber optic tip, includes a plurality of refracting surfaces configured to disperse laser energy in a radial pattern. In one embodiment, the refracting surfaces may be arranged as a plurality of annular prisms defined around the fiber core. In another embodiment, the refracting surfaces may be arranged as a plurality of concave lenses defined in the fiber optic tip. The temperature distribution of the disclosed probes is controlled and uniform, and may be tailored to radiate laser energy in any desired pattern which may be suitable to achieve an intended objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: XINMIN WU, ZHONGCHI LUO, DANG XIE, RUOXI SUN
  • FLASH VAPORIZATION SURGICAL SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20170189117
    Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: PRECISE LIGHT SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: GERALD MITCHELL, KENNETH J ARNOLD
  • Systems And Methods For Non-Rigid Deformation Of Tissue For Virtual Navigation Of Interventional Tools
    Publication number: 20170189118
    Abstract: A method of modeling anatomic deformation comprises receiving a reference three dimensional model of a branched anatomical formation in a reference state. The method further comprises applying a three dimensional deformation field to the reference three dimensional model to create a deformed three dimensional model of a deformed state of the branched anatomical formation and dynamically displaying an image of the deformed three dimensional model of the deformed state of the branched anatomical formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Prashant Chopra, Vincent Duindam, Tao Zhao, Lei Xu
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING TISSUE INTEGRITY
    Publication number: 20170189119
    Abstract: A system and method of diagnosing tissue integrity related to a joint of a patient may include imaging a first bone of the joint of the patient, determining a bone density profile of the first bone based on results of the imaging step, comparing the bone density profile of the first bone to at least one reference bone density profile of a reference first bone, and predicting an integrity of a tissue with respect to the first bone based on the comparison. The first bone may be a tibia and the bone density profile of the tibia may include a bone density profile of a sulcus of a medial tibial condyle of the tibia. The tissue may be an anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) and the predicting step may include predicting the integrity of both an anteromedial bundle and a posterolateral bundle of the ACL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Gokce Yildirim, John Parker
  • IMPLANT PLANNING USING CAPTURED JOINT MOTION INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20170189120
    Abstract: The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone or a second implant model through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Arata, Alon Mozes, Jason Otto, Robert Van Vorhis
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE MEASUREMENTS OF ANATOMICAL ORIENTATION
    Publication number: 20170189121
    Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Frasier, John Riley Hawkins, Roman Lomeli, Mark Hall, Dennis Chien
  • ADJUSTABLE TRACKING SENSOR SUITABLE FOR DIFFERENT RIGID TOOLS
    Publication number: 20170189122
    Abstract: Apparatus, including a rigid gripper configured to fasten around a cylindrical object. The apparatus further includes a pair of conductors attached to the gripper so as to make contact with one another, while the gripper is fastened around the cylindrical object, at a location along a length of the conductors that varies responsively to a diameter of the cylindrical object. The apparatus also includes a sensing circuit configured to measure an impedance of a current passing through the pair of conductors and to generate an indication of the diameter responsively to the impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Vadim Gliner
  • Optical Registration of Rotary Sinuplasty Cutter
    Publication number: 20170189123
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a rotatable shaft and a hollow insertion tube. The shaft includes at least one optical marker located thereon. The insertion tube is configured for insertion into a patient body, and is coaxially disposed around the shaft. One or more optical devices are coupled around an inner perimeter of the insertion tube and are configured to detect the marker and output one or more signals indicative of an angular position of the detected marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Vadim Gliner
  • NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR CARDIAC THERAPIES USING GATING
    Publication number: 20170189124
    Abstract: An image guided navigation system for navigating a region of a patient which is gated using ECG signals to confirm diastole. The navigation system includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of a patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the instrument in a region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representative of the instrument onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the instrument. The display displays the image with the superimposed instrument. The images and a registration process may be synchronized to a physiological event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Monte R. Canfield, Michael R. Neidert, Kenneth C. Gardeski
  • System And Methods For Performing Surgery On A Patient At A Target Site Defined By A Virtual Object
    Publication number: 20170189125
    Abstract: System and methods for performing surgery at a target site defined by a virtual object. A surgical navigation system includes a patient tracker to be attached to a patient. A localizer cooperates with the patient tracker and generates localizer data associated with the target site during the surgery. The surgical navigation system also includes a vision device to generate image data associated with the target site and surfaces surrounding the target site. A navigation computer in communication with the localizer and the vision device is configured to determine a region to be avoided outside of the target site based on the localizer data and the image data. In some cases, a second virtual object is generated to define the region to be avoided so that a surgical instrument used during the surgery avoids the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Malackowski
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170189126
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Methods, Systems, And Devices For Controlling Movement Of A Robotic Surgical System
    Publication number: 20170189127
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR MOVING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COUPLED TO A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170189128
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for moving a surgical instrument coupled to a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a robotic surgical system can include a movement assembly configured to facilitate movement of surgical instrument coupled to the robotic surgical system, e.g., coupled to an electromechanical arm of the robotic surgical system. The movement can include translational movement of the surgical instrument in which the instrument is selectively advanceable and retractable in opposed directions, e.g., proximal direction and distal direction, up vertically and down vertically, etc. The translational movement can be along a shaft of the instrument such that the movement assembly can be configured to selectively translate the instrument along a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael D. Auld
  • ACTUATED CANNULA SEAL
    Publication number: 20170189129
    Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Lawton N. Verner, Stephen J. Blumenkranz
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR CONTROL OF SURGICAL TOOLS IN A ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170189130
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for control of surgical tools in a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a robotic surgical system can be configured to control a surgical instrument in one of first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from a master tool indicating movement of the master tool. In response to the input, the robotic surgical system can be configured to cause the instrument to corresponding move. In the second mode, the robotic surgical system can be configured to receive an input from the master tool indicating movement of the master tool, and, in response to the input, adjust a non-positional output characteristic of the instrument. The robotic surgical system can be configured to switch control of the instrument between the first and second modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • Methods, Systems, And Devices For Controlling Movement Of A Robotic Surgical System
    Publication number: 20170189131
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments can be simultaneously in use during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments can be coupled to a robotic surgical system, which can be configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Weir
  • SURGICAL STAPLER WITH END OF STROKE INDICATOR
    Publication number: 20170189132
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for indicating that a cartridge has been fired includes an end effector receiving a cartridge having at least one of a knife and a plurality of staples, a shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly has a handle housing, a firing member configured to selectively actuate from a first position to a second position as a firing stroke, and a feedback generator operatively connected to the firing member. The firing member is configured to actuate the cartridge from an unfired cartridge position to a fired cartridge position when the firing member is actuated. The feedback generator is configured to communicate an audible sound and a visual indicia to an operator indicative of the firing member completing the firing stroke for actuating the cartridge to the fired cartridge position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Adams, Barry T. Jamison, Steven Dickinson, Anil K. Nalagatla
  • LIGHTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170189133
    Abstract: A self-contained, sterilizable, compact light which does not include external wiring or power accessories is described herein. The lighting device is particularly useful in specialized lighting applications such as surgical applications. The lighting device preferably includes an LED and power source within a casing and can be attached in positions or on instruments within the surgical field. Alternately, the LED may be located on a suction tip while the power source and other electronics are located proximally on a handle of a suction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Joshua C. Fox
  • METHOD FOR MAPPING VENTRICULAR/ATRIAL PREMATURE BEATS DURING SINUS RHYTHM
    Publication number: 20170189134
    Abstract: While detecting a cardiac arrhythmia, a mapping electrode of a probe is used to associate a local activation time with a first location in a region of interest in the heart. While detecting an absence of the cardiac arrhythmia, the local activation time is associated with a second location in the heart. Electrical data of the first location is assigned to the second location, and an electroanatomic map of the heart is generated that includes the second location in association with the assigned electrical data of the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Yoram Chmiel, Gal Hayam
  • INK FOR MARKING A TISSUE SPECIMEN
    Publication number: 20170189135
    Abstract: An ink composition for marking a tissue specimen is provided. The ink composition has a general formula of 30.0 wt. % to 54.0 wt. % of an alkali soluble styrene; 0.3 wt. % to 1.7 wt. % ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose; 8.0 wt. % to 35.0 wt. % colorant; 0.0 wt. % to 13.0 wt. % pigment; 23.0 wt. % to 47.0 wt. % deionized water; 0.35 wt. % to 1.65% defoamer and 0.1 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % preservative. The inks in accordance with the invention may have a peak transmission in the visible spectrum at a wavelength of from 322 nm to 716 nm or having a lineal UV-Vis spectrum with no visible peak transmission between 250 nm and 950 nm. When applied to a tissue specimen the ink compositions do not bleed onto adjacent tissue margins. When view under a microscope the color of the ink compositions can be distinguished from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Janet L. F. Phillips, Scott E. Moore
  • IMPLANT SURGICAL GUIDE APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20170189136
    Abstract: An implant surgical guide apparatus includes a bone pen which is standardized by various diameters based on mesio-distal distances of natural teeth so that an implant can be placed at the center of a prosthetics, and comprises a cup having a rotatably symmetrical shape and a pen coupled to the cup and drilling into an alveolar bone so that the implant can be guided to a position with an angle as desired by an operator when the implant is placed in the alveolar bone corresponding to tooth loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: ACRODENT CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jun Ho LEE
  • CLAMPING STRUCTURE FOR DENTAL HANDPIECE
    Publication number: 20170189137
    Abstract: A clamping structure is assembled in a handpiece. The clamping structure includes a connecting member for clamping a dental tool and a controlling member. Two or more clamping portions are disposed on the connecting member, and a distance between the clamping portions is changeable due to a control over the clamping portions. The controlling member corresponds to the connecting member and is abutted against the clamping portions. The controlling member can be moved relative to the clamping portions to form the control over the clamping portions so as to allow the clamping portions to clamp or to release the dental tool. A tungsten carbide coating layer is disposed on a contact surface of the controlling member, contact surfaces of the clamping portions, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: GENE SU
  • REACTIVE MICRO APPLICATOR WITH METAL-CONTAINING ADDITIVES FOR USE IN DENTAL ADHESIVES
    Publication number: 20170189138
    Abstract: The invention relates to dental micro-applicators having a body with a distal and a proximal end, whereby, on the proximal end, an application aid is provided, at least in part, with at least one additive selected from metals, metal-containing compounds, and organometallic compounds for affecting the polymerisation of dental materials, as well as a method for the production thereof and a kit comprising the applicator and a dental adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: HERAEUS KULZER GMBH
    Inventors: Waltraut LOH, Astrit KASTRATI, Bärbel QUINQUE, Regina EPPINGER, Marcus HOFFMANN
  • METHOD FOR PRODUCING BLANKS FOR ENDODONTIC INSTRUMENTS
    Publication number: 20170189139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for an endodontic instrument, obtainable by machining at least one rod by means of wire erosion, preferably selected from the group consisting of electrical discharge machining, wire electrical discharge machining, electrical discharge grinding and electro-chemical machining, wherein an erosion pattern is applied to the at least one rod, wherein the blank has a homogenous hardness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Werner MANNSCHEDEL
  • DENTAL POSITIONING APPLIANCE HAVING METALLIC PORTION
    Publication number: 20170189140
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for utilizing metallic portions in dental positioning appliances. One embodiment includes a removable dental positioning appliance having a shell having one or more cavities shaped to receive and reposition one or more teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation and where at least a portion of the shell is formed from a metallic mesh material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Eric E. Kuo
  • Multi-Functional Coping
    Publication number: 20170189141
    Abstract: A multi-functional coping including a base with a channel for securing a rubber dam, and an engagement section for engaging an impression or for use as a scan body, or for use as a temporary cylinder in a provisional dental prosthesis. The channel may include a first seating surface that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the multi-functional coping. The multi-functional coping may include engagement grooves and wings in the engagement section, and a cutting groove between two parts of the engagement section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Balshi, Stephen F. Balshi, Glenn J. Wolfinger
  • Apparatus and Method to Design Dentures
    Publication number: 20170189142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the design and manufacture of dentures wherein the number of office visits that a patient must attend in order to develop and obtain dentures is reduced. In one embodiment, during a first visit, final impressions and a measurement of the patient's upper lip is obtained. In one embodiment, a lab then creates a denture base and applies tooth replicas. In one embodiment, this is done using a physical fabrication aid of an embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the denture base can be created from a digital representation, and the denture base is then preferably sized and adjusted during the patient's second visit before final dentures are created and provided to the patient during the patient's third visit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen A. Wagner
  • Process For The Production Of A Ceramic Body, In Particular Of A Dental Ceramic Blank, With Spatially Selectively Adjustable Degrees Of Physical Properties
    Publication number: 20170189143
    Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic body (100), in particular a dental ceramic blank, having selectively adjustable degrees of expression of one or more different physical properties, wherein the ceramic body (100) has a porosity to enable the control of a selective distribution of one or more chemical substances (101, 102) that are suitable for influencing the physical properties of the ceramic body (100), and in a first step, which is a loading step, the ceramic body is loaded with one or more solutions (104) of the one or more chemical substances (101, 102). In a second step, which is a distribution step, the distribution of the one or more chemical substances (101, 102) within the porous ceramic body (100) is controlled, wherein a progression and/or a spatial progression of the degree of expression of the one or more physical properties can be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Stefan Wolz
  • Removable denture with metal denture tooth or teeth
    Publication number: 20170189144
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removable full or partial denture containing a linguoplate and metal occlusion of a restoring tooth or teeth with composite facing for restoring a tooth or teeth on the dental arch of a patient, wherein the denture utilizes a metal casting having the linguoplate, and at least one denture tooth on one side of the arch, and the at least one denture tooth is an extension of the linguoplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Luh-Yuan LIN, Jiin-Huey Chern LIN, Chien-Ping JU
  • ARTIFICIAL TOOTH
    Publication number: 20170189145
    Abstract: Provided is an artificial tooth that can be unfailingly attached to a denture base in arranging the artificial tooth on the denture base designed and formed with a CAD/CAM, including a convex portion to be inserted in an internal corner of a concave portion of the denture base, wherein the convex portion is configured to form a predetermined gap with the internal corner without having contact with the internal corner when inserted in the internal corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Takayuki MICHII, Tomohiro KUMAGAI, Daisuke MATSUURA, Hiroyuki NAKASHIMA
  • METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DENTAL RESTORATION
    Publication number: 20170189146
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a dental restoration from a blank, which has regions or layers of ceramic materials with differing compositions, under use of the method steps, filling of the ceramic materials into a mold, pressing of the ceramic materials to form a blank, removal of the blank from the mold, temperature treatment of the blank, wherein the ceramic materials are filling into the mold in such a way that layers and/or regions after temperature treatment have a profile that is available as a digital set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar VOLKL, Stefan FECHER
  • PARTIAL DENTURE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME
    Publication number: 20170189147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a partial denture and a method of manufacturing the same. The partial denture according to the present invention includes a frame having a connection piece with an indeterminate shape which protrudes from one side thereof; a base formed on the frame, excluding the connection piece, and having at least one or more artificial teeth installed on an upper surface thereof; and a clasp formed at the connection piece, wherein the base and the clasp are made of different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventor: Yong-Moon CHO
  • METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN INTERDENTAL CLEANING TOOL AND THE INTERDENTAL CLEANING TOOL
    Publication number: 20170189148
    Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing an interdental cleaning tool that can prevent deformation of a core base at molding of a cleaning flexible part using an elastomer material, thereby effectively preventing occurrence of molding failure of the cleaning flexible part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: SUNSTAR SUISSE SA
    Inventor: Keisuke KATO
  • ULTRASONIC TOOTH CLEANING APPARATUS AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20170189149
    Abstract: The system relates to a device and method for ultrasonic whitening of teeth through cavitation. The device and method provide functions to consistently whiten dental surfaces. Ultrasound is generated and coupled through a removable mouthpiece into a coupling fluid in which teeth and gums are at least partially submerged. Several different embodiments for the system, including variations in the mouthpiece, coupling components, and ultrasonic energy components are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Walter Golub, Phillip Chiappe, Charles Dresser
  • PERSONAL HYGIENE DEVICE WITH RESONANT MOTOR
    Publication number: 20170189150
    Abstract: A personal hygiene device has a resonant motor and a motor control unit for applying a periodic voltage signal with a driving frequency at the resonant motor for driving the resonant motor into an oscillating motion with an oscillating frequency equal to the driving frequency. The motor control unit comprises a synthesizer circuit for digitally synthesizing the periodic voltage signal from voltage pulses of variable length provided with a pulse frequency higher than the driving frequency such that at least two voltage pulses are applied at least in one of two half cycles of each period of the periodic voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Torsten KLEMM, Kervin KÜCHLER, Andreas MOEHRING, Norbert SCHAEFER, Martin STRATMANN, Carl STÜCKRATH
  • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH, AND TRANSMISSION FOR AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
    Publication number: 20170189151
    Abstract: The transmission according to the invention for an electric toothbrush serves for the transmission and reforming of a rotational movement provided by an electric motor into a particularly careful and effective cleaning movement of a cleaning element. The ratio of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of an output shaft and the longitudinal mid-axis of a drive shaft of the transmission and of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of a shaft driving a cam of the transmission and the longitudinal mid-axis of the cam amounts to at least 10:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: TRISA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Franz FISCHER, Armin BAERTSCHI, Christian HILFIKER
  • ORAL CARE DEVICE WITH SACRIFICIAL ELECTRODE
    Publication number: 20170189152
    Abstract: An oral care implement includes a housing defining a cavity and configured for at least partial insertion into an oral cavity. An opening in the housing fluidly connects the cavity to an environment of the housing. First and second spaced electrodes are disposed in the cavity. An electrical connection electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode is a sacrificial electrode and passing a current through the electrical connection causes the sacrificial electrode to oxidize.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Patrik Johansson, Gerald Gontarz
  • THIN, FLEXIBLE POWERED ORAL CARE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20170189153
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an oral care device includes a flexible base substrate, a power source disposed on the base substrate, and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the power source. Also disclosed are methods of using the same, for example, for whitening the teeth or for treating other conditions in the oral cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Patrik Johansson, John Jacob Gatzemeyer, Harsh Mahendra Trivedi, James Gerard Masters