Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing ocular cyclotorsion are provided utilizing an inter-aural axis location assembly, with a first gyroscope connected to the inter-aural axis location assembly, and a camera assembly for retinal imaging, with a second gyroscope connected to the camera assembly. A processor is utilized to calculate angles between the disc-foveal line, skull-horizontal axis, and earth-horizontal axis for use in determining ocular cyclotorsion, and the determinations or calculations may be used to generate a diagnostic report that may be provided via an output device.

Abstract: Ultra-low frequency (ULF) tactile stimuli, generated by an electro-mechanical actuator, have a spectrum of biological effects. These frequencies are herewith defined as 2 Hz or lower and may comprise stimulus frequencies as low as 0.1 Hz, or one cycle per ten seconds. The ULF generator can be paired with at least one sensor that is configured to monitor a physiological property of the user. A controller is in communication with the at least one electro-mechanical actuator and the at least one sensor and is configured to control operation of the at least one electro-mechanical actuator, in at least a first operating mode, based on measurements of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the geometrical relationship between a patient's dental structure and a reference feature on the head of the patient, the method including obtaining a first digital representation of a facebow including a fiducial marker, an adjustable pin member attached to the facebow and an attachment section of the facebow for placing the facebow in relation to the reference feature, the attachment section having a geometrical relationship with the fiducial marker; obtaining a second digital representation comprising a part of the patient's dental structure, a part of the pin member, and part of the facebow including the fiducial marker; obtaining information about the placement of the attachment section relative to the reference feature; and determining the geometrical relationship between the patient's dental structure and the reference feature based on the first and second digital representations and the placement of the attachment section.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of managing planning and delivery of an orthodontic treatment using planning tools, treatment guidelines, instructions and appointment planning tools customized to the individual patient being treated, as well as tools and methods for tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan.

Abstract: The device for recording centric jaw relation and orientation jaw relation simultaneously is disclosed that provides an accurate and precise recording of centric jaw relation as well as orientation jaw relation recording and transfer. The device includes a central bar, a centric relation recorder, a dentulous adjustable fork or an edentulous fork, a semi-circular frame, a nasion pointer and an orbital pointer. The central bar is received by a plurality of clamping assemblies that adjustably position the nasion pointer, the adjustable fork or the edentulous fork and the centric relation recorder respectively. The device can be used in case of both, dentulous as well as edentulous subjects. The device can advantageously transfer the centric relation record to any semi-adjustable articulators or non-adjustable articulators.

Abstract: A method for precisely identifying a fixed point of reference on a human jaw including providing a mandibular c-clamp, which has a shaft, an upper prong fixedly connected to the shaft, a lower prong movable along the shaft, and a wedge configured to selectively secure the lower prong to the shaft. The upper prong of the mandibular c-clamp is inserted into a patient's mouth. The lower prong of the mandibular c-clamp is then moved along the shaft to close on a patient's chin compressing patient's soft tissue, and a position of the lower prong is secured on the shaft using the wedge so that the lower prong is no longer movable along the shaft. A sensor is then secured to a designated area of the mandibular c-clamp so as to provide a reference point.

Abstract: The sample attachment level (M) of each tooth is measured in a plurality of tooth samples taken per tooth type from a plurality of teeth extracted as unconservable teeth. A lost periodontal membrane area (SL) is calculated based on the sample attachment level (M) and a total periodontal membrane area (S). A bite force coefficient (B) different according only to each tooth type, which reflects the bite force of each tooth, is found. The relation between the bite force coefficient (B) and a lost periodontal membrane area (SLB) at the time of loss of each tooth is statistically processed for each tooth type, and a linear equation showing the relation between the bite force coefficient (B) and the lost periodontal membrane area (SLB) at the time of loss of each tooth is prepared by use of the presence of a linear relation between both parameters.

Abstract: A system for scanning a dental arch of a patient includes a reference element having a reference pattern thereon; a holding mechanism configured to hold the reference element in a fixed position inside the patient's oral cavity adjacent to and spaced from the dental arch, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to be installed on the patient without contacting an occlusal surface of the dental arch; and an intra-oral scanner configured to scan the dental arch and an adjacent portion of the reference element to obtain a scanned image comprising the scanned portion of the dental arch and the scanned adjacent portion of the reference pattern.

Abstract: A tooth display measurement device includes a measurement portion, an inner surface and an outer surface. A tooth rest platform projects outwardly from the inner surface. The tooth rest platform is spaced between the upper end and the lower end, and ruler markings are printed or otherwise affixed on the outer surface. A a handle projects from the lower end of the measurement portion. The device assists in an accurate reading of tooth display as the measurement portion is inserted between the lip and the teeth of the user with the tooth rest platform abutting the biting edge of the tooth to be measured.

Abstract: An electrical discharge irrigation device and method is described. The device includes a power source to produce a first voltage, a circuit coupled to the power source to convert the first voltage to a second voltage, a discharge capacitor to receive the second voltage from the circuit, a transistor or controlled rectifier coupled to the discharge capacitor to receive the second voltage, and an output tip. This output tip is coupled to the transistor or controlled rectifier and includes an electrode located in an interior space of the output tip configured to receive a charge from the transistor or controlled rectifier and to release an electric discharge, and a ground return. The ground return is an outside surface of the output tip and a space between the electrode and the ground return holds a conductive medium.

Abstract: A body may be provided having first and second ends having threaded outer surfaces. A bore may extend between the first and second ends. A tool may be provided having a first outer mold-line surface, a second opposing surface, and a hole extending between the first and second opposing surfaces. The first end may be threadedly attached and sealed, at the second opposing surface, to an inner surface of the hole. A cap may be threadedly attached and sealed to the second end of the body. A composite may be consolidated against the first outer mold-line surface of the tool. The cap may be unthreadedly removed from the second end. A drill bit may be inserted into the bore, through the tool hole, and against the composite to drill a composite hole.

Abstract: The occlusal canting identifying tool includes a frame having an elongated horizontal portion and a pair of parallel side arms movably attached to the horizontal portion at opposite ends thereof. The tool further includes a vertical arm centrally positioned on the front of the horizontal portion and a measuring assembly positioned on the rear of the horizontal portion. The measuring assembly includes a protractor rotatably attached to the rear of the horizontal portion, the protractor being configured to rotate on a horizontal axis in relation to the horizontal portion, and a bite plate connected to the protractor, the bite plate being adjustable forward and backward in relation to the protractor. The patient is instructed to bite on the bite plate, and if occlusal canting is present, the degree of canting is quantified by rotation of the protractor.

Abstract: The device performs reference point indentation without a reference probe. The indentation distance is measured relative to the instrument which remains substantially stationary during the impact process, which occurs on the order of one millisecond. In one embodiment, an impact motion with a peak force of order 28N creates an indentation in bone with a depth of approximately 150 ?m during which the instrument case moves less than 1 ?m. Thus the error in measuring indentation depth due to the motion of the case is less than 1%, making a reference probe unnecessary. Further, this “error” is consistent and can be corrected. In one embodiment, the device measures the fracture resistance of hard tissues by actually creating microscopic fractures in the hard tissues in a measured way. It creates these microscopic fractures by impacting the sample with a sharpened probe. The indentation distance in the sample is correlated with fracture resistance.

Abstract: System, components and method for creating a set of dentures using the patient's mouth as an intra-oral articulator by use of an upper and/or lower disposable dental impression tray for creating the impression of the edentulous or partial edentulous mouth, the trays having a horizontal support bar and an upwardly extending short wall, with ridges, for mechanically accepting waxed backs of artificial teeth thereto. A screw with partial palatal tray can be secured through an aperture of the horizontal support bar and locked in place.

Abstract: A measuring force includes a stem, an arm, a detector, a rotation fulcrum, and a measuring force adjuster. A probe which makes contact with a workpiece is provided on the stem. An end portion of the arm is joined to the stem. The rotation fulcrum acts as a fulcrum for a rotating motion of the stem and the arm. The detector detects a displacement amount of the rotating motion of the arm. A crossed spring of the rotation fulcrum imparts on the stem and the arm a torque around an axis of the rotating motion in accordance with the displacement amount of the rotating motion. The measuring force adjuster imparts on the arm and the stem a torque, in a reverse direction of the torque generated by the crossed spring, by an attraction force generated by a magnetic force between at least two magnetic members mutually arranged at opposite ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for locating the axis of rotation of one or more condyles are disclosed. A condyle axis locator can include a first concave member, a second concave member, and a handle extending between the first and second concave members. The first and second concave members can include first and second locating members, respectively, extending from a surface of the first and second concave members. The first and second locating members can each include at least one opening for receiving a marking instrument. A method for locating the axis of rotation of a condyle can include positioning a first longitudinal bone in flexion relative to an adjacent second longitudinal bone, placing one of the concave members of the condyle axis locator under the condyle, and inserting a marking instrument in the opening of the locating member to mark the axis of rotation of the condyle.

Abstract: A marking device, designed to mark teeth, to position orthodontic brackets at an optimum level (though it can also be used to mark other things). The invention also relates to a method of marking teeth using the device. The device comprises one or more elongated rectangular metal plates. At each end of each plate is a “leg” that extends downward, with a “foot” covered by plastic. Cylindrical “arms” extend from both sides of each leg at right angles to the plate. Pencil lead (graphite) holders pass through the bars on each side of the plate, so that the pencil leads extend vertically downward and parallel to the plate. Knobs above the holders can be rotated to move the pencil lead up or down. Near each end of each plate, the distance of the pencil lead from the foot is marked in millimeters. Pencil marks aid in placing the orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and a device for the determination of the centric position of a human set of teeth with improved precision. This is needed for the adjustment of an articulator in the production of dentures. For this purpose a plurality of successive bite movements or displacement movements of the lower jaw are recorded in form of electronic signal data and evaluated for the determination of the centric position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device of flexible material for the determination of parameters for the production of dental prostheses which combines different functions, including protractor, spacing template, ruler and an option of utilizing a compass-formed modulus shear measuring module to facilitate shearing.

Abstract: A multifunctional airway evaluator for orotracheal intubation includes first and second connected elongated arms, movable relative to each other about a pivot axis, a planar plate connected to the first arm and extending upwardly therefrom, and a gravity-operated angular indicator attached to the planar plate. The plate includes a distance scale on its front face, and the distance scale includes a plurality of spaced apart grade lines aligned radially with the pivotal axis and distance parameters associated with the grade lines, each of the distance parameters indicating a distance between the distal ends of the first and second arms when the arms are in a relative position. The gravity-operated angular indicator includes an axial pin disposed perpendicular to the planar plate, a rotating disk pivotally attached to and rotatable around the axial pin by gravity, and one or more angular measurement marker provided adjacent the rotating disk.

Abstract: An occlusion correction improvement instrument includes an upper mold-mounting member provided with a plate-shaped member that is parallel to a Camper's plane of an upper model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a maxillary tooth row and with a plane parallel to the Camper's plane when the upper mold-mounting member has been mounted on the upper model; and a lower mold-mounting member mountable on a lower model having a tooth model-shaped surface of a mandible tooth row and provided with a pin-shaped projection portion that can be fixed, with a position thereof adjusted from side to side and up and down, and with an adjustment member that can adjust a position of the lower mold-mounting member relative to the upper mold-mounting member on the plane parallel to the Camper's plane, with the projection portion abut on the plate-shaped member of the upper mold-mounting member.

Abstract: A multifunctional airway evaluator for orotracheal intubation includes first and second connected elongated arms, movable relative to each other about a pivot axis, a planar plate connected to the first arm and extending upwardly therefrom, and a gravity-operated angular indicator attached to the planar plate. The plate includes a distance scale on its front face, and the distance scale includes a plurality of spaced apart grade lines aligned radially with the pivotal axis and distance parameters associated with the grade lines, each of the distance parameters indicating a distance between the distal ends of the first and second arms when the arms are in a relative position. The gravity-operated angular indicator includes an axial pin disposed perpendicular to the planar plate, a rotating disk pivotally attached to and rotatable around the axial pin by gravity, and one or more angular measurement marker provided adjacent the rotating disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device of flexible material for the determination of parameters for the production of dental prostheses which combines different functions, including protractor, spacing template, ruler and an option of utilizing a compass-formed modulus shear measuring module to facilitate shearing.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a locating and measuring device of facial anatomical parameters of a human face. It includes in particular a frame intended to be positioned in front of a face, and a bite yoke mounted on a cross member of the frame, intended to be inserted into the mouth and bitten onto by a patient. In a manner that is characteristic, the invention also includes materialization and positioning for an incisive line, materialization and positioning for a bi-pupillary line, and materialization and positioning for a Camper's plane on at least one profile of the face. The device of the invention finds a particular application in the fields of dental and periodontal reconstruction and repair in accordance with the aesthetic harmony of the face.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool to measure depth and width of bone cavities prior to and during oral implant placement. The tool includes a passive-depth gauge arm and an active spring caliper arm. The tool can be used to define the extraction socket for oral implant placement and allows measurement verifications after each step of the bone bed preparation prior to or during the actual implant placement in the extraction socket. There are multiple modifications of the primary design into separate embodiments to accommodate usage in different parts of the jaw and different points during the implant procedure.

Abstract: A dental measurement device is disclosed that includes a mouthpiece having a bracket attached thereto and extending outward therefrom. A bite registration compound is applied to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece is positioned in a patient's oral cavity. The bracket extends outward in front of the patient's face. The bracket includes a vertically oriented planar attachment surface to which measurement devices such as planar rulers are readily attached using adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The rulers include reference markings. The rulers are positioned prior to attachment such that the reference markings align with the anterior midline and incisal edge locations of the patient. Such reference positions are then available for later use in fabricating dental restorations. Alternatively, anterior midline and incisal edge locations are identified by application of permanent markings to the rulers.

Abstract: A tooth circumference measuring device is disclosed that device provides a strap that is placed around a dental patient's tooth and retracted into an at least generally conformal relationship (i.e., snuggly fit around the tooth) using a strap adjusting mechanism. The strap is operatively interconnected to a gage such that when the strap is secured about the tooth with a predetermined amount of tension, the gage indicates the circumference of that tooth. In one embodiment, the strap adjusting mechanism includes a reel that is interconnected to the strap. Upon rotation of the reel, a first portion of the strap is wound or unwound about a perimeter of the reel such that a second portion of the strap disposed about a tooth may be tensioned or loosened. In a further embodiment, the strap adjusting mechanism is operative to provide a consistent tension between measurements.

Abstract: A tooth reduction measuring tool comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a handle. A flexible loop extends from the distal end and defines an opening. The loop has a thickness from the range about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the opening a size large enough to be placed around a tooth. The loop is adapted to be positioned relative to a pair of opposing teeth, one of which has been reduced. In this way, the pair of opposing teeth are within the opening, and the loop may be pulled by the shaft into a gap between the opposing teeth to permit evaluation of the size of the gap based on the thickness of the loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a setting gauge (21) for setting a depth stop (6) on a handpiece (1), which has a connection device (3) for the releasable connection of a pin-shaped tool (4) with the handpiece (1), in particular for setting a depth stop (6) on a handpiece (1) for a working of a root canal (W2) in a tooth (Z). So that the setting of the depth stop can be effected more simply and with little manual effort, the setting gauge (21) has a connection element for connecting and positioning the setting gauge (21) on the handpiece (1) and at least one scale (27a, 27b, 27c) on the setting gauge body (22) which, in the position of the setting gauge (21) connected with the handpiece (1), extends parallel to the depth stop (6) and its setting path.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the oral cavity. The tool includes a first measuring member having a first leg portion and a dial portion with graduations provided thereon and a second measuring member having a second leg portion and a pointer. The pointer moves across the dial upon pivotal movement of measuring members such that the pointer designates one of the graduations to indicate the spacing between the leg portions. Second graduations provided on one of the measuring members are indicative of a second measured value. The tool also includes a support member positionable in the oral cavity of a patient with the patient biting down on the upper and lower bite surfaces of the support. The support includes an opening shaped to slidably receive and support the first leg portion and a slot offset from the opening. The slot is shaped to slidably receive the second leg portion as the second measuring member is pivoted relative to the first measuring member.

Abstract: The periodontal pocket measurement apparatus of the present invention comprises a main handpiece unit provided with a cover member for covering the front end portion thereof, an operation member mounted at the front end of the cover member and being slidable in the longitudinal direction of the cover member, a flexible sleeve attached to the operation member and projecting from the front end of the cover member, and a probe attached to the cover member, passing through the sleeve and being exposable at its tip from the tip of the sleeve, being characterized in that the main handpiece unit is provided with energizing means for pushing a movable portion including the operation member and the sleeve toward the front end.

Abstract: Back-to back hydraulically linked pistons are mechanically coupled to contact probes and measurement sensors. The pistons are hydraulically linked by small diameter flexible conduits which enable the contact probes and the measurement sensors to be mounted and moved independently of each other without affecting the ability of the measurement instrument to simultaneously measure a plurality of points on a selected predefined surface, such as a human tooth. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the complex mechanical linkages heretofore required in such instruments.

Abstract: A dental probe that directly measures pH level and temperature of gum pockets and other diseased parts of the oral cavity is provided. The dental probe has a handle and a needle with a pH sensor and a temperature sensor in the needle tip. The handle permits the dentist to manipulate the needle tip to examine a diseased spot in the mouth, where both pH levels and temperature can be analyzed. The rear part of the handle has a light receptor which remains outside the oral cavity when the needle tip is inserted in the diseased part, creating a path for light through the needle part. The dental probe is attached to a dental diagnosis device that enables processing and readout of pH levels and temperature.

Abstract: A probe for measuring a depth of a periodontal pocket includes an emitting device for emitting, from a position at a distance from the periodontal pocket, a light beam toward the periodontal pocket, a receiving device for receiving, at a position at another distance from the periodontal pocket, the light beam after being reflected on a bottom of the periodontal pocket, and an analyzing device for displaying the depth of the periodontal pocket after a calculation thereof on the basis of an analysis of the light beam received at the receiving device.

Abstract: Back-to back hydraulically linked pistons are mechanically coupled to contact probes and measurement sensors. The pistons are hydraulically linked by small diameter flexible conduits which enable the contact probes and the measurement sensors to be mounted and moved independently of each other without affecting the ability of the measurement instrument to simultaneously measure a plurality of points on a selected predefined surface, such as a human tooth. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the complex mechanical linkages heretofore required in such instruments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a periodontal structure mapping system employing a dental handpiece containing first and second acoustic sensors for locating the Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ) and measuring the differential depth between the CEJ and the bottom of the periodontal pocket. Measurements are taken at multiple locations on each tooth of a patient, observed, analyzed by an optical analysis subsystem, and archived by a data storage system for subsequent study and comparison with previous and subsequent measurements. Ultrasonic transducers for the first and second acoustic sensors are contained within the handpiece and in connection with a control computer. Pressurized water is provided for the depth measurement sensor and a linearly movable probe sensor serves as the sensor for the CEJ finder. The linear movement of the CEJ sensor is obtained by a control computer actuated by the prober.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an instrument for measuring the tightness between a first and a second contiguous bodies, the first body being movable with relation to the second body, comprising: (a) a substantially incompressible insertion element of predetermined thickness for insertion between the first and second bodies; (b) a holder for holding the insertion element to enable the insertion element to be forcibly inserted between the first and second bodies, thereby displacing the first body with relation to the second body, thereby providing a predetermined forced distance between the first and second bodies; and (c) a sensor for sensing the insertion force applied when inserting the insertion element between the first and second bodies along a predetermined path of insertion.

Abstract: A dental recording apparatus for recording the movements of the jaw joints in relation to the skull includes (A) an adjustable upper recording bow which is secured on the bridge of the nose, the top of the skull and the sides of the head and which has a nose bridge support, vertical frame, rubber strap and positioning units or measuring/recording plates, and (B) a lower recording bow. The apparatus permits an exact positioning of the apparatus on the head of the patient, both in terms of an exact positioning of the upper recording bow and also of the lower recording bow.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the optimum region for hooking a clasp of a removable partial denture to a tooth model has first and second pointed sensing elements adjustably mounted on a horizontal beam structure. The beam structure may have a single beam or multiple beams linked in parallel and the beam structure is suspended from a holder above the model by an installation member which includes a swivel joint for rotating the beam structure about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A locking orthodontic band gauge for determining an orthodontic band size. An elongated main portion is provided with a locking indicator assembly slidably mounted thereon. A loop cooperates with the main portion and indicator assembly such that when the indicator assembly is slid along the main portion, the size of the loop circumference changes. A series of locking portions are provided and spaced along the length of the elongated main portion at discrete positions and cooperate with the locking indicator assembly to selectively lock the indicator assembly at the discrete positions. Alternatively the orthodontic band gauge includes a probe for supporting a gauge tape such that the gauge tape can be fitted around the tooth when the probe is inserted into a patient's mouth. The probe has an indicator associated therewith and moveable relative to the probe for indicating the orthodontic band size of a patient's tooth when the gauge tape is fitted around the tooth.

Abstract: A probe element for probe apparatus such as a dental probe comprises a curved tubular sheath having a proximal end for connection to main body of the probe apparatus and on open distal end. A probe member slides within the sheath and has a proximal end for connection to position sensing components in the probe apparatus main body and a distal end that protrudes by a variable extent from the open distal end of the sheath. Within the sheath the probe member is made up of a series of relatively large diameter beads joined by smaller diameter bridges to provide improved mobility of the probe member in the sheath even after prolonged storage.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided for measuring the degree of mandibular movement during therapy following maxillofacial surgery or to otherwise accomplish measurement of jaw movement. The measurement device is in the form of a flat object having a rounded end and defining a reference depression for receiving the incisal edge of the teeth of either the mandibular or maxillary arches. The measurement device includes a curved end and a slightly curved top which are provided with indicia to indicate the degree of jaw opening by comparing the location of an incisal edge with respect to the indicia. The measurement device along a straight end is provided with measurement indicia to enable effective measurement of lateral jaw movement and to accomplish measurement of movement relative to the occlusal plane of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: A disposable marking gauge for use in certain orthodontic procedures to mark a patient's tooth with a readily visible mark at the precise location relative to the occlusal surface of the tooth. The marking is especially useful in locating support wire positioning brackets on the patient's teeth so that they can be bonded to the teeth at precise locations relative to the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A set of different rulers for the measurements of the abnormal tongue and its frenum size. We can get useful information about the various border movements of the tongue from the evaluation of the measurement results with this device. These rulers will help to improve various treatment procedures and evolve diagnostic methodologies in every related field of the specialties as well as provide relatively more precise guide-lines.

Abstract: A device for measuring the circumference of a tooth or other object, having a longitudinally extending handle with a first end, a second end, an exterior and a hollow interior. A rotatably mounted head portion is disposed at the first end of the handle, and has an aperture which connects the hollow interior to the exterior of the handle. The head portion is adjustable to locate the aperture at a particular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. A band is provided which has two ends and a central portion. The central portion is located exteriorly of the handle and forms a loop to be placed around the tooth or other object. The ends pass through the aperture of the head portion into the hollow interior. A tightening lever is pivotally connected to the handle and the ends of the band for retracting the band through the aperture into the hollow interior, to tighten the loop around the tooth or other object to be measured.

Abstract: A probe for measuring distances of clincal interest in a patient undergoing dental treatment has an end which is placed adjacent a first point and a tip which is extendable to a second point. A measurement apparatus in the housing, provides an output signal representative of the distance between the two points. An analyzer responsive to the output signal determines the distance. A friction mechanism assures that no more than a predetermined amount offorce is applied to the probe, making repetitive measurements accurate and avoiding damage to tissues. A microcomputer and printer analyze the data and present the data in a useful format. The tip of the probe is provided with storage apertures for use in delivering medication via the probe member. The probe is provided with an optical fibre cable and an optical encoder which is supported for rotary motion within the housing for eliminating cable twist evolved during manipulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the distance between the gum tissue surface to the implant, along a nonlinear surface, the height needed for determining correct abutment size. The abutment measurement device is an elongated cylindrical member or handle which terminates at both ends with a probe tip. A first probe extends from one end of the elongated member at approximately an 80 degree angle from the member axis. A second probe extends from the other end of the elongated member. The cross section of the second probe tip has a circular cross-section with a concave indentation. This concave indentation is designed to fit the curvature of the sidewall of a secondary healing cap. The concave indentation of the probe tip allows a more accurate measurement of the gum tissue depth.

Abstract: A device for measuring the remaining portion of an alveolar bone is presented. The device comprises two elongated straight portions having each a leg portion. The elongate portions are connected to each other in slidable fashion similar to a caliper. The leg portions have width measuring probes which extend towards each other perpendicular to the leg portions. The widths measuring probes are arranged to penetrate the gum and contact opposite sides of the alveolar bone where by the the distance between the ends of the probes can be measured. The device also has a level measuring probe which extends from one of the elongate portions between the leg portions down towards the width measuring probes. The length measuring probe also penetrates the gum and measures how far down from the top of the alveolar bone, the width measuring probes are measuring.

Abstract: Simultaneous measurement of a border position of a mandible joint opening and the "end-feel" force required to achieve the border position are effectuated through a single apparatus which applies a force to the upper and lower jaw of a patient and continuously measures the degree of opening of the jaw as the mandible joint opens. When a predetermined amount of force is achieved as measured by either a detected degree of spring compression within the device or release of a detent mechanism, the force is automatically or manually withdrawn leaving an indicator showing the maximum jaw opening. Simultaneous border position and "end-feel" force can also be measured in alternative embodiment through reverse scissors and a mechanical dial and slider for continuously measuring the degree of opening while an electrical transducer measures the force applied until the "end-feel" force has been achieved as digitally read out.

Abstract: A probe instrument for measuring the depth of a pocket in a variety of materials, including but not limited to human tissue, includes a handle, a probe movably mounted within a sheath that is movably mounted within the handle, a displacement sensor, and a force sensor. The probe terminates externally of the handle in a tip, and the sheath terminates externally of the handle in a front end. The tip of the probe is aligned with the front end of the sheath initially in a reference position. The front end of the sheath is rested on the edge of the pocket, and force is applied to the handle, causing the probe to emerge from the sheath and enter further into the pocket until the tip of the probe contacts the bottom of the pocket. The displacement sensor generates a first output signal indicative of the depth of the pocket, and the force sensor generates a second output signal indicative of the force of the probe against the bottom of the pocket.