Tongue Patents (Class 128/860)
  • Patent number: 11612456
    Abstract: Protrusions or holes with jagged edges formed on the lingual side of invisible aligner trays are provided. The protrusions or holes irritate the tongue causing it to retract away from the incisors thus eliminating intruding force otherwise exerted by the tongue. A clear corrugated material is provided which is suited for making the aligner trays having the protrusions which otherwise would be difficult with standard thick material used. The lingual side protrusions are added by computer to the impressions taken from a patient's teeth such that the protrusions are formed on the dental model used to make the aligner trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Spartan Orthodontics Inc.
    Inventor: John Voudouris
  • Patent number: 11571327
    Abstract: A habit corrector appliance including a front portion, a first ramp and a second ramp extending from the front portion. The first ramp is located at a high position adjacent to or at a user's palate to ensure the tongue is positioned at the palate which widens the palate and which also prevents or reduces mouth breathing. The second ramp is located at a position lower than and beneath the first ramp, wherein the second ramp substantially prevents the tongue from entering a lower space within the oral cavity, wherein the first ramp aids in an elevated tongue position and the patient learns to swallow with the tongue elevated to substantially reduce or prevent air from entering the oral cavity through the mouth and to prevent mouth breathing. Slits at the ramp sides allow for lateral expansion of the appliance. Lingual tabs promote proper anterior positioning of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ortho-Tain, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 11517786
    Abstract: An oral training appliance for training the tongue and lips of a person is disclosed. The appliance comprises a U shaped body comprising a front section and two arms, an inner wall and an outer wall. A tongue training member extends from the inner wall and is moveable in response to movement by the user's tongue from a rest configuration to a training configuration. The appliance also comprises a lip training member and is moveable in response to movement of a user's lower lip from a rest configuration to a training configuration and the lip training member is biased towards the rest configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher John Farrell
  • Patent number: 11285035
    Abstract: A single arch dental device. The single arch dental device includes a dental trough, having a lingual surface, a facial surface, and an occlusal surface. The dental trough is molded to conform to a shape of a wearer's lower teeth. The facial surface of the dental trough has an anterior facial surface and a posterior facial surface. The posterior facial surface of the dental trough is contoured to receive a facial surface of the wearer's teeth. The lingual surface of the dental trough has an anterior lingual surface and a posterior lingual surface. The anterior lingual surface of the dental trough is contoured to receive the lingual surface of the wearer's teeth. A pocket is carved out of the posterior lingual surface of the dental trough and provides a surface into which an anterior and lateral border portion of the wearer's tongue rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dental Choice Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ramiro Michael Alvarez, Jose Sergio Alvarez
  • Patent number: 11273010
    Abstract: An example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sublingual dental appliance for treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). The sublingual dental appliance may be a semi-permanent physical training device that guides the tongue into the appropriate position in the mouth, thereby training the muscles to address a disorder. The sublingual device may feature a pair of support structures that guide the tongue into the appropriate relationship with the palate, with the tongue directed in a superior angle to the superior portion of the mouth, against the hard palate, during both use and rest. Although the appliance may be semi-permanently affixed to the individual, the support structures of the appliance are directly affixed to flexible, adjustable elements that may be adjusted during use to reconfigure the angle or position of the support structures as needed during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Johnny R. Bear
  • Patent number: 11129746
    Abstract: Provided is a soft flexible oral appliance having protuberances that mimic naturally occurring dental Tori. An upper, palatial appliance and a lower, mandibular appliance may be used in conjunction or separately to alleviate a variety of disorders, improve facial tone, and increase physical performance. The appliances are lightweight, thin, and do not prohibit normal speech patterns when in use Small protuberances are strategically molded along key surfaces of each appliance to stimulate nerves in the tongue and affect forward protrusion. Forward positioning of the tongue dilates the airways of the throat improving breathing while the use is sleeping, playing sports, or talking. It also reduces bruxing or grinding of the teeth. A method is further provided, for adding protuberances to other types of oral appliances, thereby conferring some of the benefits listed above on appliances originally intended for other dental uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: DENTAL CHOICE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Ramiro Michael Alvarez, Jose Sergio Alvarez, Wayne Carl LaVelle
  • Patent number: 11096821
    Abstract: A system of combined tongue and jaw stabilization is provided. The system comprises a sheath for placement in the human mouth, the sheath of shape and size to accommodate placement of the tongue, and a frontal flange containing holes to facilitate breathing. The system also comprises of at least one extending protuberance attached to the sheath and extending downward from a bottom surface and/or upward from the upper surface of the sheath, to facilitate the retention of the upper and/or lower jaw and hold the device in place. The extending protuberance(s) is a Jaw-stabilizing Nub directed to holding the jaw in a forward position while the sheath holds the tongue in a forward position to maximize and maintain an open upper airway. Retaining ribs are disposed on an inside surface of the sheath, the ribs directed to holding the tongue inside the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Hally Hofmeyr
  • Patent number: 10688343
    Abstract: A measuring method for maximum muscle strength may be applied to a muscle training device and a user of the device. The muscle training device may include a control unit, an operation display unit, and a drag unit. The measuring method assists the user to measure their maximum strength on the muscle training device by themself, and this knowledge is helpful in designing and adjusting a muscle training schedule and to evaluate the resulting progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chu Su, Shu-Yao Wu, Pei-Hsuan Chang
  • Patent number: 10555701
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a probe 1 for measuring a lip closing force, the probe including: a hollow balloon 10 configured to be disposed between an upper lip 50 and lower lip 51 of a subject, and crushed and deformed by the lip closing force, and a base 20 which is connected to a pressure measurement device 100 for measuring an internal pressure of the balloon 10. The balloon 10 is provided with a fixable portion 13 configured to be sandwiched between teeth 52 and 53 or gums of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignees: HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY, JMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichiro Toyota, Kazuhiro Tsuga
  • Patent number: 10537407
    Abstract: A method for correcting a malocclusion in the mouth of a user including the steps of: providing an appliance having an upper body and a lower body, wherein the upper body has an anterior portion having an angled surface and a lingual tab and a posterior portion having an elevated occlusal surface, and wherein the lower body has an anterior portion, a trough and a shield configured to surround the user's lower teeth when the lower body is placed in the user's mouth; positioning the upper body of the appliance relative to the user's tongue to achieve contact therebetween, wherein the lingual tab of the upper body is configured to contact a palate as the appliance is worn in the user's mouth; and positioning the anterior portion of the lower body relative to the user's lips to achieve contact therebetween and to push the lower teeth in a rearward direction within the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 10512480
    Abstract: A connection tool for a tongue manipulation system includes a connector configured to be coupled to a tongue advancer tether, a connection tool body, and a separable removal cannula part. The separable removal cannula part is configured to follow a tongue advancer tether line in order to enable a removal sleeve located at least partially within the separable removal cannula part to contact the tongue advancer. The separable removal cannula part is configured to be separated from the connection tool body following the removal sleeve contacting the tongue advancer and to expose a proximal end of the removal sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ruth Beeby, Asheesh Divetia, Steve Woodard, Barrett Hutto, Matthias Hamsch, Chantal Nathalie Van Den Broek
  • Patent number: 10383760
    Abstract: A dental appliance having an arch plate with a chewing surface portion and a tooth contacting surface thereon. An interior and exterior sidewall extend upwardly from the tooth contacting surface. The inner sidewall, outer sidewall, and tooth contacting surface define a tooth receiving cavity that is adapted to complementarily receive teeth on an arch and fix the appliance with respect to those teeth. An outer surface is located opposite to the tooth contacting surface and defines a plane formed by high points thereon. A tongue pocket is affixed to an anterior end of the arch plate and it has an upper and lower portion. The upper portion is integrally connected with inner sidewall and the lower portion is opposite to the upper sidewall. The tongue pocket is concave on its inner surface and on its lower portion has outer ramped surface. The outer ramped surface terminates in an incisal step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Norman E. Bryan
  • Patent number: 10363004
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a customized intraoral positioning device to be positioned within a patient's mouth for radiation therapy planning and treatment of a head and/or neck of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Radtec Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Holman, Brian Knott
  • Patent number: 10029144
    Abstract: An exercise tool 1 for improving oral function inserted and used in an oral cavity includes: a base 10 inserted in the oral cavity; and a hollow bulge 20 which is made of an elastic body and protrudes from the base 10. Level difference portions 41-43 and 51-53 are provided in a vertically intermediate region of at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the bulge 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: JMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Noguchi, Koichiro Toyota
  • Patent number: 9877862
    Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a first element implantable in a tongue and a second element implantable between muscle planes of an inframandibular region. The second element has a first end coupled with the first element and a second end coupled with a hyoid bone for preventing the base of the tongue from collapsing against an opposing pharyngeal wall during sleep. The first and second implantable elements have outer surfaces that are substantially impermeable to tissue in-growth to allow for post-surgical adjustment or removal, if necessary. The first implantable element is elongated and includes a first end, a second end, and a center section located between the first and second ends. The center section is implantable in the tongue, and the first and second ends of the first implantable element are advanceable beneath the tongue for being coupled with the anterior end of the second implantable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, David C. Lindh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9010334
    Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Lowell R Wedemeyer
  • Patent number: 8973582
    Abstract: An implantable tissue suspension device and its method for use. The device includes first and second filamentary elements bonded together only at a central connection region such that first and second leading and trailing legs of the respective first and second filamentary elements extend outwardly from the central connection region. The method includes implanting the device such that the central connection region extends laterally across a patient's tongue and the first and second leading and trailing legs of the first and second filamentary elements extend through the tongue such that ends thereof are positioned external to the genioglossus muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8881733
    Abstract: A mandibular advancement device used in the management of snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, TMD and bruxism, comprises a maxillary tray for receiving/retaining maxillary teeth, a mandibular tray for receiving/retaining mandibular teeth, and at least two advancement members/prongs located on the mandibular tray at the anterior-lateral regions thereof. The advancement members/prongs, when in use, contact the outer surface of the maxillary tray in an anterior-lateral region thereof, thereby advancing/retaining the mandible and tongue in a protrusive position. Raised occlusal surfaces/bite pads in a region contiguous and posterior to the advancement prongs allow a passive tongue retaining gap or space to be formed in the anterior and posterior regions of the device. A lingual retaining strap may be provided between opposite posterior portions of the mandibular tray to passively retain the tongue in a protruded, non-obstructive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen J. Harkins
  • Patent number: 8869800
    Abstract: An adjustable tongue-positioning device for an oral gag device has a shaft portion with a vertical shaft adapted for slideably engaging with an oral gag device, an engagement bead attached to a support, the support attached to the vertical shaft, an engagement ring attached to the vertical shaft. The tongue positioning device also has an adjustable tongue portion with at least one tongue depressor portion having a slot adapted for engaging with the engagement bead of the shaft portion, and a flexible ratchet adapted for engaging with the engagement ring of the shaft portion. In operation the adjustable tongue portion is engaged with the engagement ring and bead of the shaft portion, and the shaft portion with an adjustment mechanism of an oral gag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mercy Medical Resesarch Institute
    Inventors: Allan Allphin, Martin Reuter, Rahul Eapen
  • Patent number: 8800567
    Abstract: A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, John R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8783258
    Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jacobs, Kevin S. Weadock, Robert A. Rousseau, David Lindh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8776799
    Abstract: A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Revent Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Gillis, John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 8707959
    Abstract: At least one implant structure is sized and configured for implantation in, on, or near an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue, e.g., a genioglossus muscle. The position of the implant structure is stabilized relative to the extrinsic muscle region to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation, e.g., to maintain patency of an airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Paraschac, Lionel M Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140090654
    Abstract: A device for receipt in a user's mouth includes a tongue engagement element having a front region, a rear region, and side regions that define an opening for receiving a user's tongue, means for retaining the user's tongue in a forward position, and means for changing the size of the opening. The tongue engagement element is shaped such that when placed in a user's mouth, the rear region extends over the user's tongue and the front region extends under the user's tongue. A method of securing a tongue engagement element in a user's mouth includes moving an expanded tongue engagement element under a front region of a tongue and over a rear region of the tongue, and allowing the tongue engagement element to return toward a non-expanded state. The tongue engagement element acts to resist rearward motion of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SLEEPY, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, Earl A. Bright, II, Eric Goldfarb, William Facteau, Ravinder D. Pamnani, Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore Bender, Imraan Aziz, Kyle Lamson, Michael Strasser, Jason Hegener
  • Patent number: 8684007
    Abstract: The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea provides greater comfort to the user and maintains an open air passage through the mouth by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece including a frame of hard material and a tooth tray of softer material that conforms closely to the tooth pattern of the user. A spoon-like tongue depressor extends adjustably from the forward center of the device, the tongue depressor having a downward convex bowl that holds the tongue away from the windpipe of the user. The tongue depressor has a stein captured by and rotating in the adjuster, so that the tongue depressor may be prevented from rotating as the adjuster is threaded inwardly or outwardly in the front of the device. An air passage is preferably provided to each side of the tongue depressor adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: William R. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20140076335
    Abstract: A device for significantly reducing the leakage of air through the mouth of a patient undergoing positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The device provides a mouth seal which is fitted to the teeth and gums of the user and a tongue receiving portion which positions the tongue in a forward position in a manner to significantly reduce or prevent the passage of air out of the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Todd D. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140080083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a functional dentofacial orthopedic apparatus (1) made of a flexible material and comprising two grooves, the general outer shape of each of which is a flared U when viewed horizontally, the two grooves being separated by a substantially horizontal partition (6). Each groove defines an alveolar canal (4, 5) encompassing the superior and inferior alveolodental arches, respectively, said canal (4, 5) consisting of a labial bar (2) and a lingual plate (3), as well as the horizontal partition (6), the inner surface of each canal being smooth. According to the invention, the apparatus includes: a continuous angled lingual ramp (10) which is intended for supporting and guiding the tongue toward the palate and the upper portion of which consists of a reinforced inner raised portion (9), the general shape of which is flared U and which extends over the inner circumference of the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Rodrigue Mathieu
  • Patent number: 8667970
    Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency includes a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Podmore, Matthias Vaska, John E. Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Patent number: 8656922
    Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency includes a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency includes a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan Podmore, John Edwards Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Publication number: 20140048079
    Abstract: The mouth guard includes first and second side walls, first and second curved walls, and a central wall having a top and a bottom surface. The curved walls are connected to the sidewalls, such that they define a periphery of the mouth guard. The central wall extends between the first and second sidewalls, and the first and second curved walls. The mouth guard includes top and bottom channels for receiving a patient's upper and lower teeth, respectively. First and second protrusions extend from the top surface of the central wall, and a first tube channel is formed between the first and second protrusions. A second tube channel is formed in the central wall and is connected with the first tube channel. An opening is formed in the curved walls and is in communication with the second tube channel. The first and second channels, and the opening receive an intubation tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Excelsior Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Gardner, William Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140034065
    Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, James Blackburn Joslin, Michael Strasser, Clinton N. Slone, Earl A. Bright, II, Marc Spinali, Richard A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8578938
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucosally implanted in the pharyngeal walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Quiescence Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Russell Pflueger, Christopher Paul Thompson
  • Patent number: 8573223
    Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency having a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Podmore, Matthias Vaska, John E. Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Patent number: 8561616
    Abstract: An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an elongated body having a central region, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The central region of the elongated body engages inframandibular musculature that extends between a mandible and a hyoid bone. The first and second ends of the elongated body are optionally anchored to the mandible. The elongated body is under tension for urging the inframandibular musculature in an inferior direction, which, in turn, pulls the hyoid bone anteriorly for minimizing the likelihood of occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rousseau, Kevin S. Weadock
  • Publication number: 20130220345
    Abstract: An adjustable tongue-positioning device for an oral gag device has a shaft portion with a vertical shaft adapted for slideably engaging with an oral gag device, an engagement bead attached to a support, the support attached to the vertical shaft, an engagement ring attached to the vertical shaft. The tongue positioning device also has an adjustable tongue portion with at least one tongue depressor portion having a slot adapted for engaging with the engagement bead of the shaft portion, and a flexible ratchet adapted for engaging with the engagement ring of the shaft portion. In operation the adjustable tongue portion is engaged with the engagement ring and bead of the shaft portion, and the shaft portion with an adjustment mechanism of an oral gag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: MERCY MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Mercy Medical Research Institute
  • Patent number: 8505540
    Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: ApniCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan Podmore, John Edwards Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Patent number: 8496008
    Abstract: An oral device for use in radiotherapy of the head and neck includes a base member and a bite member or “mouthpiece,” which is selectively positionable relative to the base member. The device provides immobilization of the tongue for accurate reproducible administration of radiation therapy. The device fits within the oral cavity of a patient and is maintained in position by a bite member that fits over the maxillary teeth of the patient. The position of the bite member relative to the base member may be adjustable to accommodate differences in mouth cavities and bite profiles. For example, the base member may include a platform or series of members configured to be removably coupled to the bite member in multiple different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Oncologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Westbrook, Sheila Wartelle, Grover Bass
  • Patent number: 8474462
    Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sleepy, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, James Blackburn Joslin, Michael Strasser, Clinton N. Slone, Earl A. Bright, II, Marc Spinali, Richard A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8464709
    Abstract: The cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its whole span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Lowell R. Wedemeyer
  • Patent number: 8464710
    Abstract: A device for aiding intubation of a patient comprising a generally ovular palate bridge having a flexible convex surface to allow the device to conform to a roof of a patient's mouth and a flexible concave surface to allow for space in the mouth for placement of an endotracheal tube or to clear an oral airway which is attached to a teeth guard to prevent dental trauma and an esophageal block to block aspiration from a patient's stomach into a patient's lungs and to prevent erroneous intubation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Melissa Franckowiak
  • Publication number: 20130131427
    Abstract: An intra-oral device for positioning oral tissues during medical treatment, for example, radiation treatment. The device includes upper and lower dental arch members configured to engage the maxillary and mandibular teeth or edentulous arch(es) of a patient, respectively. The upper and lower dental arch members are operatively coupled to provide a dental arch assembly. A protective element to displace or depress a patient's tongue is secured at a suitable working position with respect to the dental arch assembly. In an embodiment, provision is made for three-dimensional spatial adjustment of the protective element to a desired location, at least during initial fitting and assembly. The device is then secured to allow consistent repetition of the oral tissue positioning from treatment to treatment. The protective element may be configured to engage the tongue of a patient so that the tongue may be selectively positioned for treatment and/or diagnostic procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: BART JOHNSON, AMY WINSTON
  • Patent number: 8439044
    Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130104911
    Abstract: An oral appliance is disclosed. The oral appliance may include a body and a bridge connecting left and right side members of the body. The bridge may define a lingual-less open space between the lingual side of the bridge and left and right side members. The space defined by the bridge is configured to accommodate a tongue in a relaxed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: JEFFREY S. LUFFEY, Cynthia K. Wright
  • Patent number: 8430102
    Abstract: A oral device for use in radiotherapy is disclosed. The device is a two piece adjustable mouthpiece for use during radiotherapy of the head and neck. The device provides immobilization of the tongue for accurate reproducible administration of radiation therapy. The device fits within the oral cavity of a patient and is maintained in position by a bite-member that fits over the maxillary teeth of the patient. The adjustable feature of the device allows the device to fit the mouth to accommodate differences in mouth cavities and bite profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: OncoLogics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Westbrook, Sheila Wartelle, Grover Bass
  • Publication number: 20130068235
    Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SLEEPY, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, James Blackburn Joslin, Michael Strasser, Clinton N. Slone, Earl A. Bright, II, Marc Spinali, Richard A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8387620
    Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base, a tongue-engaging member and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through the tongue-engaging member and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apnicure, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Vaska, Jonathan L. Podmore, Nicholas R. Vitale, Michael C. Hozbaur, John Edwards Crowe, Sean Christopher Daniel
  • Publication number: 20130042875
    Abstract: A tongue retaining device and a method of using the same are provided. The device includes an implant member configured to be anchored in a tongue, a dental plate configured to be worn upon mandibular teeth, and a coupling member couplable between the implant member and the dental plate to promote direct anterior displacement of the tongue. The tongue retaining device may be offered as part of a kit with a tongue-piercing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SNORING CENTER USA, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Schwimmer
  • Patent number: 8347890
    Abstract: An automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. Once placed within a subject's mouth, the appliance may be maintained in a closed configuration while the subject's mouth remains closed. However, as the subject sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's mouth typically opens during a sleep disordered event. The appliance may be actuated by the separation between the mandible and maxilla to have greater tension and thus retract or pull anteriorly the covering adhered to the tongue. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the phryngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Insono Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kasey Kai-Chi Li
  • Patent number: 8333202
    Abstract: An adjustable dental device for use with a CPAP system in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring is comprised of an upper bite block, a lower bite block having one or more tongue retainers, means for adjustably connecting the upper bite block to the lower bite block, and means for connecting the dental device to a CPAP system. The adjustable dental device is compatible with a variety of CPAP systems, including systems that utilize nasal inserts and systems that utilize a nasal mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Richard Lyons
  • Patent number: 8316856
    Abstract: Systems and methods place a first magnetically interactive material in or on a tongue in an airway. The systems and methods place a second magnetically interactive material in or on tissue in a desired relationship with the tongue. The first and second materials magnetically interact to stabilize a preferred orientation of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Lionel M. Nelson, Ronald G. Lax, Eric N. Doelling