Abstract: A wireless intraoral dental x-ray imaging sensor and method of use. The sensor optionally has a rechargeable battery located away from the edge of a PCB/ceramic substrate to enable encapsulation. The sensor has a compact microcontroller unit with several blocks including a radiolink, processing capacity, and a low power management system. Bit truncation and image compression take place on a readout substrate and/or on the MCU. External memory blocks allow for at least partial image storage for safety and as a backup.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 for affixing a sensor to a backing plate 2 of the holder 1. The dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 generally includes a sensor holder 1 with a backing plate 2, having one or more spring arms 3, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block 9 of the holder 1. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved barrier-contained radiological sensor holder. In particular, the present invention is directed to radiological sensor holder contained in a barrier to reduce or prevent contamination. The radiological sensor holder preferably comprises a sensor holder at least partly contained within a barrier having a closed end and an open end. The barrier preferably comprises elastomer latex material and the sensor holder preferably comprises a polymer-based material with a treated surface or material characteristics amenable to anchorage of the elastomer. Alternatively, the holder is a wood pulp-based material with naturally coarse or irregular surface characteristics providing anchorage infusion of the elastomer. The sensor holder preferably has a sleeve with a base, first and second sides, and an opposing face and a bite wing integrally formed with the sleeve along a spine on the base. The sensor holder may alternately include an expansion slot along the opposing face.

Abstract: A dental appliance is described herein. The dental appliance includes an abutment device adapted to be coupled to a jawbone and a sensor support assembly coupled to the abutment device. The sensor support assembly includes a sensor chamber that is configured to receive a sensing device therein. A chamber cover is coupled to the sensor support assembly to enclose the sensor chamber. The chamber cover includes a plurality of orifices that are configured to couple the sensor chamber in flow communication with an oral cavity. A tooth cap is coupled to the abutment device and includes a cap opening to receive the sensor support assembly therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the approach to an oriented relative position between a camera or scanning device and a dental assistance element (10), in particular via an app on a smartphone, for recording the dental assistance element (10), such as a miniature shade guide (10). A mark (4) is attached to the dental assistance element (10), and/or at least one part of the dental assistance element (10) is used as a mark (4). A stencil (6) which is congruent with or mathematically similar to the mark (4) is displayed on a display device of the camera or scanning device. For the approach to the oriented relative position between the camera or scanning device and the dental assistance element, a modification of the degree of coverage of the stencil (6) with the mark (4) or the one part of the dental assistance element (10) is detected.

Abstract: An x-ray phosphor plate system has an x-ray phosphor plate, which is configured to be exposed by x-ray light in a recording region, and which carries a shadowing marker, which is arranged in the recording region, on at least one side of the x-ray phosphor plate. The system also has a phosphor plate reader, which is configured to read the exposed x-ray phosphor plate in order to produce an x-ray recording. The shadowing marker has a shadowing effect in respect of x-ray light that is so small that the shadowing marker is only weakly identifiable, and/or only identifiable by way of image artefacts, and/or not identifiable when the x-ray recording is observed by a user. The phosphor plate reader instead has an identification algorithm, which is configured to identify whether or not the x-ray light was shadowed by the shadowing marker during the exposure.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 for affixing a sensor to a backing plate 2 of the holder 1. The dental x-ray sensor holder 1 and sheath 4 generally includes a sensor holder 1 with a backing plate 2, having one or more spring arms 3, and affixed to or formed contiguously with a proximal end of a bite block 9 of the holder 1. It also includes a sensor sheath adapted to secure a sensor to the backing plate for X-ray acquisition.

Abstract: A hand-operated tool for embossing a membrane or other soft pliable implant with microgrooves or microgeometries is disclosed. The tool includes an embossing surface such as a pressure plate or roller that includes a specific microgroove or microtopographical pattern. This allows a user such as a clinician to create an embossed surface on a membrane or other implantable device at the time of surgery for the purposes of directing cellular orientation and migration, increasing cell migration velocity and enhancing re-epithelialization rates in various medical and dental applications.

Abstract: A multi-pouch container or carrier for imaging plates which includes multiple pockets which are overlapped, in which multiple relatively small plates can be inserted, sequenced and aligned in a defined overlapping such that simultaneously exposed plates in the pockets form overlapped images which can be stitched together by application software to provide a larger variable sized single contiguous image of a region of interest.

Abstract: A flexible, durable, sanitary, adhesive-backed sheet is applied to the skin-contacting surfaces of a mammography bucky prior to commencing a mammography procedure, and is removed from the bucky once the procedure is complete, without leaving a residue behind. The sheet is made of a non-woven polymeric material that gives the sheet a fabric-like or cloth feel, and is substantially incompressible in response to forces applied during a mammography procedure. The sheet insulates the patient from the temperature differential between the patient's skin and the bucky surfaces. Additionally, the surface of the sheet is embossed with a texture, markings or raised features to enhance the fabric-like feel.

Abstract: An extra-oral imaging apparatus is intended to obtain a cephalometric image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary apparatus embodiments of cephalometric functionality of such extra-oral imaging apparatus can include a cephalometric support mounted to a base of the imaging system that is configured to position a cephalometric sensor about a cephalometric imaging area so that x-rays impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the cephalometric imaging area. A cephalometric patient positioning unit mounted to the cephalometric support can be positioned between an x-ray source of the x-rays and the cephalometric sensor. A cephalometric alignment sight can be mounted to patient positioning unit to provide a visual indication of alignment between the x-ray source and the mounted alignment sight/cephalometric sensors. Exemplary methods are provided that can use such exemplary cephalometric alignment sights and/or install cephalometric functionality to imaging systems using the same.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining system for intra-oral sensors includes a holder shaped to hold a curved intra-oral sensor, and a curved or flexible intra-oral sensor configured to be coupled to the holder.

Abstract: In a panoramic imaging apparatus, a panoramic image is displayed on a monitor. The panoramic image is an image in which an overall dentition is in optimal focus, or an image in which a region of interest that is a portion of the image of the overall dentition is in optimal focus. Both images are reconstructed from frame data that has been collected by an initial first scan. Feature points of one or more teeth and a supporting portion that supports the tooth in the dentition in the panoramic image displayed on the monitor are designated. A length based on the positions of the designated feature points is measured in the panoramic image. The degree of loss in alveolar bone that supports the tooth is analyzed based on the measured length. The analysis information is provided to a dentist as check information regarding periodontal disease.

Abstract: A sensor holding apparatus for facilitating dental imaging, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a handle, an elongated shaft, and a sensor holder. The holder includes a coupling component configured to removably attach to a portal end of the shaft. The shaft comprises a cross-section adapted to receive a user's bite, the cross-section having a substantially polygonal perimeter to aid manipulation of the sensor inside the patient's mouth. The sensor holder further comprises a substantially flat body having a substantially flat surface adapted for removably attaching a sensor to the sensor holder. Furthermore, the substantially flat surface of the body of the sensor holder may comprise at least one edge that is adapted for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder by a pressure, or the sensor holder may be configured to receive an adhesive for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support having a surface for supporting a patient and a longitudinal axis, and a positioner coupled to the patient support for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioner is configured to move the patient support along a path that has an arc, circular, or zig-zag shape, and wherein the path lies within a plane that forms an angle with the surface of the patient support.

Abstract: A motion-based interlock apparatus, system, and method prevent an x-ray source in an x-ray machine from activating if the current relative motion between the x-ray source and an image receptor would compromise the quality of the resulting plain radiograph. The system activates the interlock based on either or both of the velocity and acceleration of the tubehead, as measured by instrumentation corresponding to any of the tubehead, the extension arm, or off board the x-ray machine. The system may preferably compare the measured motion against one or more acceptable motion thresholds. If the measured motion exceeds one or more of the acceptable motion thresholds, exposure may preferably be delayed until the motion of the tubehead subsides. By ensuring that the image is not exposed while the tubehead is moving substantially, the quality of the resultant radiograph is improved.

Abstract: A medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body includes a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other with the subject interposed therebetween, a bracket part that fixedly supports an axial center position of a turning shaft provided in the turning arm, and a support drive part that turns the turning arm about the turning shaft with respect to the bracket part. The medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body also includes a subject chair on which the subject sits, a chair moving mechanism that linearly moves the subject chair in a front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the subject, and a main-body controller that performs the panoramic X-ray photography by controlling the chair moving mechanism and the support drive part in conjunction with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheath for a disposable dental direct imaging digital device. The sheath for a disposable dental direct imaging digital device includes a bag structure that is made up of an elastic material, and is also made up of a positioning device that is placed in an opening of the bag structure. A direct imaging digital device may be inserted into the sheath. A first housing segment that is in connection with the opening exists on one end of the bag structure. The other end of the first housing segment is in connection with a second housing segment. A tapered channel is formed from the opening of the first housing segment towards the second housing segment. A positioning device may close or shrink the opening, so as to prevent the direct imaging digital device from sliding out of the sheath. The direct imaging digital device may be inserted into the first housing segment, and then may be inserted into the second housing segment.

Abstract: An X-ray device according to an embodiment of the invention includes an X-ray detector including a number of detector elements, the detector elements being subdivided into at least two subgroups, each of spatially linked detector elements. The X-ray device or the X-ray detector includes a voltage supply unit for providing a fundamental voltage. The X-ray detector includes two voltage transformers, of which each is associated with respectively one of the two subgroups. And each of the voltage transformers is configured for converting the fundamental voltage into a detector operating voltage for the detector elements, which is lower than the fundamental voltage.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for counterbalancing a surgical robotic system using a counterbalanced Z-axis drive. The counterbalanced Z-axis drive includes a self-centering ball screw assembly having a linear actuator and a counter weight. The counter weight is configured to substantially support a load associated with an arm of the robotic system when the driving portion is engaged or disengaged. In some embodiments, the counterbalanced Z-axis drive controls the arm and a movable effector mounted on the arm. Also disclosed herein are systems and devices for direct drive actuation of rotary axes of the arm which reduce the size and weight of the arm.

Abstract: A sensor holding apparatus for facilitating dental imaging, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a handle, an elongated shaft, and a sensor holder. The holder includes a coupling component configured to removably attach to a portal end of the shaft. The shaft comprises a cross-section adapted to receive a user's bite, the cross-section having a substantially polygonal perimeter to aid manipulation of the sensor inside the patient's mouth. The sensor holder further comprises a substantially flat body having a substantially flat surface adapted for removably attaching a sensor to the sensor holder. Furthermore, the substantially flat surface of the body of the sensor holder may comprise at least one edge that is adapted for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder by a pressure, or the sensor holder may be configured to receive an adhesive for removably attaching the sensor to the sensor holder.

Abstract: A medical imaging assembly includes a first imaging plate and a second imaging plate for acquiring a first and a second medical image. A container is configured to receive and hold the first imaging plate and the second imaging plate in a predetermined overlapping orientation. An image reader receives the first and second medical images and produces first and second digital medical images. A processor creates a composite image of the first and second digital images. A method of acquiring a medical image includes identifying an overlapped region of a lower image and an upper image. An alignment transformation is identified by matching the overlapped regions of the upper and lower images. The upper and lower images are aligned based upon the alignment transformation. A composite medical image is created from the upper image and the lower image.

Abstract: A sensor positioning and stabilizing device is provided. The sensor positioning and stabilizing device holds and stabilizes dental x-ray film or digital sensors during implant surgery with requiring a patient to bite down or manually hold it in position in order to take an x-ray.

Abstract: A dental radiography device has an X-ray sensor (12) with a sensitive surface (22) for detecting X-rays and oriented towards the front face (16) of the sensor and a device for positioning the sensor made up of a receiver (32), for receiving the sensor, and an oblong arm (34) with an end (35) fixed to the receiver and an outwardly directed portion (34B) extending towards the front of the sensor and intended to extend out of the mouth of a patient, the receiver contained in a rear cylindrical space (33B) extending at the rear of a rear face (18) of the sensor opposite the front face (16), the rear cylindrical space (33B) defined by movement, along a lateral edge of the sensor, of a generating straight line (333) perpendicular to the sensitive surface.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder includes at least two clamping faces wherein at least one of the faces includes at least one and preferably a plurality of resiliently deformable gripping protrusions. The clamping faces are positioned in a moveable, spaced opposing relation, such that the faces may be physically moved together to physically impinge the x-ray sensor therebetween.

Abstract: A dental sensor holder including a strip of pliable, longitudinally elastic material having two ends. The holder is constructed by permanently bonding the two ends of the strip to form a somewhat elastic loop. In addition, the sensor holder includes an adjustable bond portion on the inside of the loop which may selectively be engaged to join adjacent portions of the strip into a functional bitewing.

Abstract: A dental x-ray image media holder comprising: a backing plate affixed to a bite block, the backing plate including a least one channel for receiving a post affixed to the bite block, such that the bite block can be selectively moved within the channels to orient the bite block in a predetermined position relative to the backing plate; and a plurality of indicia, such that at least one of the indicia is used to indicate a first position of the bite block relative to the backing plate, the first position being associated with a predetermined first dental imaging procedure; and a locking member configured to prevent rotational movement of the bite block along a post axis upon engagement of the locking member.

Abstract: A sensor buffer cover is provided that is easily held at a fixed position without pain or discomfort to a patient to enable high-definition imaging. It is a sensor buffer cover wherein a cover body constituted as a flexible bag body into which a sensor unit is inserted comprises an inner bag-like sheet made of resin and formed in a rectangular shape to have an opening at one end in the longitudinal direction and an outer sheath member at the base of the inner bag-like sheet constituted as a flexible bag body formed in approximately the same shape as the sensor unit, which covers the periphery of the sensor unit inserted therein and is open at one end in the longitudinal direction, the outer peripheral edge of the base of the inner bag-like sheet and the outer peripheral edge of the outer sheath member covering the base of the inner bag-like sheet being fusion-bonded on three sides to leave an opening and obtain a double bag-like structure.

Abstract: A dental sensor holder including a strip of pliable, longitudinally elastic material having two ends. The holder is constructed by permanently bonding the two ends of the strip to form a somewhat elastic loop. In addition, the sensor holder includes an adjustable bond portion on the inside of the loop which may selectively be engaged to join adjacent portions of the strip into a functional bitewing.

Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector including an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module linked to the sensor for the transmission to the sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of the at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting the at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal. A remote processing and display unit of the at least one digital output signal is linked to the electronic module to ensure the transmission to the unit of the at least one digital output signal.

Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector including an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module linked to the sensor for the transmission to the sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of the at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting the at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal. A remote processing and display unit of the at least one digital output signal is linked to the electronic module to ensure the transmission to the unit of the at least one digital output signal.

Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector including an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module linked to the sensor for the transmission to the sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of the at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting the at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal. A remote processing and display unit of the at least one digital output signal is linked to the electronic module to ensure the transmission to the unit of the at least one digital output signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording medium a method and an apparatus for generating virtual teeth and recording media storing a program performing the method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for generating virtual teeth includes (a) acquiring a tooth image having three-dimensional information from teeth including a damaged tooth; (b) determining an image of a virtual tooth to be inserted into a position of the damaged tooth in a tooth image library having predetermined three-dimensional information and inserting the determined virtual tooth image into the acquired tooth image; and (c) modifying the virtual tooth image by considering tooth images positioned at upper and lower sides or right and left sides of the virtual tooth image. According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to produce a prosthesis most suitable for the state of patient's teeth only once and an operator can minimize post-processing of the produced prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis and evaluation of tooth decay comprises: locating in an x-ray image the contour of the dento-enamel junction (DEJ); measuring optical density along contours substantially parallel to and on either side of the DEJ contour; and calculating at least one numerical decay value from the measured optical densities. A method for diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal disease comprises: measuring in an x-ray image a bone depth (BD) relative to the position of the cemento-enamel junctions (CEJs) of adjacent teeth; measuring bone density along a contour between the adjacent teeth; and calculating a numerical crestal density (CD) value from the measured bone density. Calibration standards may be employed for facilitating calculation of the numerical values. A dental digital x-ray imaging calibration method for at least partly correcting for variations of the optical densities of images acquired from the dental digital x-ray imaging system.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray sensor with embedded standard computer interface. The sensor includes a data transfer cable with improved mechanical strength and heat transferring properties. The cable is quad-twisted USB cable and includes two data lines, a ground line, and fillers twisted within a metallic sheath, e.g., a metal braided shield. The cable is symmetrically organized about a centerline. The symmetric cable has an improved life due to the ability to withstand mechanical stress (e.g., rotational stress). The sensor includes a processor and a housing with an inner metallization layer. The sheath is coupled to the inner metallization layer to transfer heat generated by the processor from the inner metallization layer to the sheath.

Abstract: A sensor that is at least partially covered by a sheath, and a positioning arm that is electrically coupled to the sensor, and arranged outside of the sheath, such that a hygienic barrier is formed around the sensor. The sensor is used for filmless dental radiography and the positioning arm enables positioning of the sensor in a patient's mouth. The positioning arm includes a contact that pierces the sheath and establishes an electrical connection with the sensor when the positioning arm is coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a ring guide and rod with a holder for a radiation sensing device is provided herein. The adapter includes but is not limited to a first engagement member for engaging a complementary engagement member formed on the rod and a second engagement member for engaging a holder for a radiation sensing device. The adapter also includes but is not limited to a handle connecting the first engagement member to the second engagement member.

Abstract: An improved intraoral x-ray system that includes a dental tray with the shape of a dental arch and can be positioned within the oral cavity, for accommodating image detectors at the lingual (or, palatal) side of the tray; an image processing system, situated external to said oral cavity, for converting the image data detected by the image detector to a viewable image; a mechanism for transferring the image data to the image processing system; and a display unit for displaying the image.

Abstract: A sensor positioning and stabilizing device is provided. The sensor positioning and stabilizing device holds and stabilizes dental x-ray film or digital sensors during implant surgery with requiring a patient to bite down or manually hold it in position in order to take an x-ray.

Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector that includes an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module being linked to the sensor by a wire link for the transmission to said sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of said at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting said at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal; and a remote processing and display unit of said at least one digital output signal which is linked to the electronic module by a wire link intended to ensure the transmission to the unit of said at least one digital output signal.

Abstract: A sensor positioning and stabilizing device is provided. The sensor positioning and stabilizing device holds and stabilizes dental x-ray film or digital sensors during implant surgery with requiring a patient to bite down or manually hold it in position in order to take an x-ray.

Abstract: A sensor holder (10) includes a frame member (20) that bounds a void area (21) and which is configured to receive a sensor (11). A retaining means (50, 51) is provided to hold the sensor (11) to the frame (20) such that a connecting cable (12) affixed to the sensor (11) is secured and positioned by the void area (21) for a subsequent imaging procedure.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder includes at least two clamping faces wherein at least one of the faces includes at least one and preferably a plurality of resiliently deformable gripping protrusions. The clamping faces are positioned in a moveable, spaced opposing relation, such that the faces may be physically moved together to physically impinge the x-ray sensor therebetween.

Abstract: A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11) has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20). An alternative guide arm (100) has more than one attachment site (101a, 101b) for removably affixing a sensor holder (102, 103, 104) to the guide arm (100).

Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector that includes an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module being linked to the sensor by a wire link for the transmission to said sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of said at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting said at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal; and a remote processing and display unit of said at least one digital output signal which is linked to the electronic module by a wire link intended to ensure the transmission to the unit of said at least one digital output signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to x-ray imaging, especially to an imaging arrangement used in intra-oral x-ray imaging, to a wireless imaging sensor and to a base station for the sensor as well as methods for using the sensor and transmitting the information to the sensor and from the sensor wirelessly, in which invention such a wireless power transmission link is used, which is arranged to be used for supplying at least part of the energy needed by the sensor in connection with the imaging process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including an intraoral dental X-ray electronic sensor facing an x-ray source and connected to a signal processing unit that allows taking and storing multiple x-ray images even without the unit to be connected to database computer. The processing unit has a memory that may be equipped with energy source and the unit is mounted on the sensor holder and can be easily removed from it. The images from the memory can be downloaded into a database using standard serial digital interfaces during or after the image acquisition.

Abstract: A dental x-ray image media holder (10) includes an image media backing plate (11) adjustably affixed to a bite block (12). The backing plate (11) has at least one channel (31-33) for receiving a post (21) affixed to the bite block (12), such that the bite block (12) can be selectively moved within the channel (31-33) to orient the bite block (12) in a predetermined position relative to the backing plate (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to intraoral radiological dental image sensors, i.e. sensors placed in the mouth of a patient, an X-ray source being located outside the cheek of the patient in order to emit X-rays in the direction of the sensor. According to the invention, the image sensor is attached to a first end of a short electrical cable (22) of around 5 to 20 cm, a second end of which leaves the patient's mouth when the sensor is in the mouth, the second end carrying a light source (24) comprising light-emitting diodes that can be digitally modulated as a function of information coming from the sensor, the electrical cable being able to transmit an electrical control signal from the sensor to the diode for modulating the latter.

Abstract: A dental radiograph sensor positioning device utilizing an elongated member which is fixed to a pair of supports. The first and second supports include holders for the radiograph sensor and are used interchangeably for this purpose. When one of the supports is held to the sensor, the other support is used as a grip for the user of the device. In this manner the device of the present invention may be used to obtain digital images from all four dental quadrants.