Dental Patents (Class 378/191)
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Patent number: 11759154Abstract: 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 sheath to reduce or prevent contamination. The radiological sensor holder preferably comprises a sensor holder at least partly contained within a barrier sheath having a closed end and an open end. The barrier sheath preferably comprises elastomer latex material and the sensor holder preferably comprises an exterior attachment and an interior container, where the exterior attachment presses a portion of the barrier sheath into a gapped attachment port on the interior container. The sensor holder may alternately include an expansion slit along the opposing face. The sensor holder can also have snap on articles for positioning the sensor for posterior, anterior and vertical image capture.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Inventor: Mitchell C Calderwood
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Patent number: 11726217Abstract: Measuring and tracking energy emitted by a radiation source. A system includes an image sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation and a scintillator. The scintillator absorbs energy emitted by a radiation source and scintillates the absorbed energy. The system is such that the image sensor senses an image frame depicting at least a portion of the scintillator when the radiation source emits the energy. The image frame comprises an indication of where the energy is absorbed by the scintillator.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Luca Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul De Jean, Elliot Grafil, Cesare Jenkins, Tae Jin Kim
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Patent number: 11224387Abstract: A digital dental x-ray sensor device includes a rounded, three-dimensional housing that lacks corners, edges, or other relatively sharp features that are known to cause discomfort when used in a patient's mouth. The rounded housing can be spherical, ellipsoid, or any similar regular or irregular rounded shape, and can be formed by ensuring that all curves of the surface of the rounded housing have a minimum radius that is sufficient to prevent features that can dig into the soft tissue of the inside of a patient's mouth.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Inventor: Shayda Cullen
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Patent number: 11026645Abstract: Radiography backscatter shields and X-ray imaging systems including backscatter shields are disclosed. An example X-ray backscatter shield includes: a conforming backscatter shield configured to provide shielding from Compton scatter radiation when placed in contact with an object to be scanned; and a shield frame configured to couple the backscatter shield to an X-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brian Girouard, Jason Bourn, Paul Benson
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Patent number: 10390776Abstract: A three-dimensional serial focused intraoral digital tomosynthesis scanner includes a frame body, an image capturing module, a photosensitive member and an image processing module. The frame body includes a central axis and a light source seat which is moved along a scanning path and rotated around the central axis. The image capturing module is disposed on the light source seat and reciprocated along the scanning path. The image capturing module is configured to generate a light beam emitted from an outside to the patient's mouth. The photosensitive member is positioned in the patient's mouth. The light beam is emitted to the photosensitive member and moved along the scanning path corresponding to the photosensitive member so as to generate a plurality of two-dimensional optical images by the image capturing module. The image processing module calculates the two-dimensional optical images to generate a three-dimensional image.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: China Medical UniversityInventors: Lih-Jyh Fuh, Yen-Wen Shen, Heng-Li Huang, Jui-Ting Hsu, Che-Wei Liao
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Patent number: 9351692Abstract: A hand-held direct digital image sensor device includes a connection handle having a grip portion, a bite portion, and a carrier portion provided with at least one male coupling unit; a soft protective cover provided with at least one female coupling unit for engaging with the male coupling unit; and a direct digital image sensor received in a receiving cavity defined in the protective cover. Through engagement of the male and female coupling units with one another, the soft protective cover and accordingly the direct digital image sensor received therein can be connected to an end of the connection handle and be extended into a patient's oral cavity without bringing too much discomfort to the patient. The used protective cover is discarded or disinfected to meet sanitary requirements in medical treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: DENSMART DENTAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Yin Chao Yao
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Patent number: 8979364Abstract: A combined imaging apparatus for x-ray imaging of a subject in multiple modes has a supporting structure having an extended rotary arm, wherein the rotary arm has a computed tomography detector and a panoramic imaging detector, both mounted adjacently against a movable platen. A detector positioning apparatus is actuable to translate the position of the movable platen to either of at least first and second positions with respect to an x-ray source. The first position disposes the computed tomography detector in the direct path of an x-ray source and the second position disposes the panoramic imaging detector in the direct path of the x-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: TrophyInventors: Sylvie Bothorel, Philippe Maillet, Jean-Marc Inglese
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Patent number: 8953740Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device comprising an x-ray sensitive camera for creating tomograms, especially panoramic tomograms. Means for creating 3D shots of a partial volume of the mandibular arch are also provided, said 3D shots being created especially by a second image receiver for creating a 2D shot and means for taking a plurality of 2D shots from different directions and creating a 3D shot therefrom, preferably according to conebeam technology with the associated reconstruction algorithms. The x-ray sensitive camera comprises a first x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating a tomogram, and a second x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating plane shots.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Norbert Erhardt, Werner Gunther
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Patent number: 8934602Abstract: An apparatus for dental and facial imaging including a rotatable gantry having an axis of rotation generally in the direction of local gravitational vertical; a source of penetrating radiation mounted on the gantry; an elongated detector for detecting radiation and producing image data, the detector mounted opposite the source on the gantry, and having a length, a long axis, and a short axis The gantry, source, and detector configured to receive the head of a patient between the source and the detector, with the axis of rotation of the gantry passing through the patient's head. The detector is mounted rotatably to the gantry and movable between a first position where the long axis of the detector is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gantry and a second position where the long axis of the detector is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the gantry.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Dental Imaging Technologies CorporationInventors: Henry Tancredi, Edward Marandola, John Tancredi
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Patent number: 8727617Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: OwandyInventor: Thierry Augais
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Patent number: 8641276Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sirona Dental, Inc.Inventors: Mark Abramovich, Valeriy Armencha, Stan Mandelkern
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Patent number: 8503604Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus includes an X-radiation generator and a sensor opposite it receiving radiation from the generator. The apparatus produces a panoramic image of an object by displacement of the assembly formed of the generator and the sensor along a given trajectory in a plane, the generator having at least one collimation slit elongated along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane to produce an X-ray beam elongated along this axis in a first mode of operation, the sensor with an array of pixels extending along the Z-axis in correspondence with the beam. The apparatus includes elements for pivoting the sensor by 90° to extend it in a direction parallel to the plane P, switching the generator provided with the collimation slit from the first mode to a second mode of operation to produce an X-ray beam elongated parallel to the direction of the sensor, so that the these positioned sensor is always in correspondence with the beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: TROPHYInventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Vincent Loustauneau, Sylvie Bothorel
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Patent number: 8430563Abstract: The dental fluoroscopic imaging system includes a flat panel detector comprised by a gamma-rays or x-rays converter, a plate, a collector, a processing unit and a transmitter suitable for 2D intraoral/extraoral and 3D extraoral dental fluoroscopy. The x-ray converter contains a material capable of transforming the low dose gamma rays or x-rays beam received from an emitter after going through the dental examination area into electrical signals or a light image consequent with the radiographed image. The plate transmits the electric signals or light image to a collector which amplifies it and sends it to a processing unit and then to transmitter designed to transfer digital images sequentially to a host computer and software which can acquire, process, transform, record, freeze and enhance 2D and 3D images of video frame rates. Two dimensional images are obtained while using a C-arm/U-arm configuration while 3D images are obtained while using the O-arm configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Real Time Imaging Technologies, LLCInventor: Daniel Uzbelger Feldman
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Patent number: 8337083Abstract: An intraoral sensor 1 includes: a case 4 having a first plate-shaped portion 12 and a second plate-shaped portion 16 that face each other; a photodetecting element 34 contained in the case 4 so that a light incident surface faces the first plate-shaped portion 12; a cover 6a, arranged on the outer surface of the second plate-shaped portion 16, for covering an opening 16a; and fixing members 32a and 32b, arranged between the second plate-shaped portion 16 and the cover 6a, for fixing to the case 4 a signal cable 24 connected to the photodetecting element 34 extending via the opening 16a from the inside to the outside of the case 4. This enables improvement of a connection strength between the case of the imaging device and the signal cable extending from an opposite side of the imaging surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Shin-ichiro Takagi, Kazuhisa Miyaguchi
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Patent number: 8333507Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventors: Harold K. Schmulenson, Tom Gillen
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Patent number: 8320525Abstract: A new and improved digital sensor assembly for use in a filmless radiography system is disclosed. The sensor is configured to be universal in that it can be rotated about a cable connection thereby allowing the sensor to be used both vertically and horizontally in the oral cavity. The rotatability of the sensor allows it to fit comfortably and close to a target area in an intraoral cavity. By providing a comfortable relative fit to the target area, the sensor is ergonomically improved, in terms of its comfort and feel to a dental patient. Alternative sensor assembly embodiments disclosed herein relate to quick disconnect-type coupling arrangements between the sensor body and the sensor cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Louie Khouri
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Patent number: 8265226Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray image acquiring apparatus having a structure for improving the quality of an image signal representing an X-ray image captured. The X-ray image acquiring apparatus (5) comprises an imaging section (7), a connecting section (8), and a signal cable (L1). The imaging section (7) outputs an image signal representing an X-ray image captured. The connecting section (8) has a structure attachable/detachable to a control circuit (6) for controlling the imaging section (7). The signal cable (L1) has one end connected to the imaging section (7) and the other end connected to the connecting section (8), and is flexible. The signal cable (L1) includes a detection signal line (L11), a control signal line (L12), an image signal line (L13), and a GND line (L14), which are used for transmitting signals exchanged between the imaging section (7) and the control circuit (6), and a shield member (5a) covering these lines (L11 to L14).Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Akira Taoka, Kazuhisa Miyaguchi
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Patent number: 8251583Abstract: A removable radiation sensor for connecting to a panoramic dental radiation imaging system. The sensor includes a radiation sensor unit mounted in a housing. Connector bearings are positioned within the housing so as to engage with a pair of connector pins provided as part of the upright support of the imaging system. A lock pin within the housing is selectively slidable between Locked and Unlocked, and biased toward Locked. The lock includes a locking pin with a groove, and when the groove is aligned with the respective connector pin, the lock is unlocked, and that connector pin is slidable axially within the bearings. When the groove is not aligned with the connector pin, the lock is locked, the locking pin engaging with a groove formed for that purpose in the connector pin. The sensor has a field-replaceable electrical connector, to reduce maintenance cost.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventors: Lyubomir L. Cekov, Arkady Kantor, Donald Walker, Alan P. Krema
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Publication number: 20120181437Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray photon (including gamma ray photon) and particle radiation for dental x-ray imaging, radiation monitoring, and related industrial and scientific applications. Flat or shaped small (and small hybrid) area storage phosphor plates, incorporated with a protective frame and a movable front protective layer are available in multiple sizes, are encased in SP-carriers and used as detectors for intraoral dental x-ray imaging as a replacement for analog x-ray film and digital x-ray cameras, offering good detection efficiency, high spatial and contrast resolution, and a wide dynamic range. After removal of the SP-carrier, a small area storage phosphor plate is loaded into a dental storage phosphor scanner for readout. Intermediate and large area storage phosphor plates (including hybrid versions) are suitable for non-intraoral dental x-ray imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Robert Sigurd Nelson, William Bert Nelson
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Patent number: 8222610Abstract: An auxiliary component that is used with a medical device is modified to provide for additional or enhanced functionality. In one specific embodiment, a sheath surrounds an intraoral electronic image sensor, and is provided with signal conductors integrated therein. Electrical communication is provided between the sensor and the sheath, such as via a direct electrical connection, a capacitive or inductive coupling or an optical link. The sheath, and particularly the signal conductors integrated therein, connects to a cable which in turn connects to another device, such as a processing module or computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Valeriy Armencha, Mark Abramovich
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Patent number: 8152373Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device comprising an x-ray sensitive camera for creating tomograms, especially panoramic tomograms. Means for creating 3D shots of a partial volume of the mandibular arch are also provided, said 3D shots being created especially by a second image receiver for creating a 2D shot and means for taking a plurality of 2D shots from different directions and creating a 3D sot therefrom, preferably according to conebeam technology with the associated reconstruction algorithms. The x-ray sensitive camera comprises a first x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating a tomogram, and a second x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating plane shots.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Norbert Erhardt, Werner Gunther
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Patent number: 8149990Abstract: 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 to methods for supplying operating power to the sensor and transmitting 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 energy to the sensor in connection with the imaging process.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Planmeca OyInventor: Christian De Godzinsky
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Patent number: 8142074Abstract: A system for holding and aligning a radiation sensing device is described. The system includes a radiation sensing device having a sensor engagement member. The system also includes a holder having a retention member including first and second retention guides connected with opposing ends of a back plate. The first retention guide also includes a complementary holder engagement member configured to mate with the sensor engagement member at a preset position.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Inventors: Harold K. Schmulenson, Tom Gillen
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Patent number: 8073228Abstract: A kit for capturing a first primary image and a second backup image from a single exposure. The kit may include a first imaging source and a second imaging source. The kit may further include an attachment mechanism for attaching the first imaging source to the second imaging source such that first imaging source and the second imaging source may be simultaneously exposed to capture a first primary image and a second backup image, respectively, of a same anatomy. The kit may further include a sterilization sheath to cover both the first imaging source and the second imaging source when the first imaging source and the second imaging source are attached and being used to capture images.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Crucs, Patrick James Williams
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Patent number: 8073101Abstract: A digital modality modeling system includes a computer with a digital memory adapted for storing patient densitometry information, an input and an output. An input subsystem includes a pair of source/receptor units mounted on a signal positioning subsystem, which is adapted for moving the source/receptor units through predetermined paths of movement, which can be circular or linear. The resulting tomographic data is synthesized to form any 3-D model or image, which is output for further analysis. A digital tomosynthesis method includes the steps of moving a pair of sensor/receptor units relative to a patient. The resulting signals output by the receptor are digitized and synthesized to form a 3-D image or model. Multiple depths of penetration and multiple widths can be captured from single acquisitions using digital tomosynthesis signal processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventors: Ronald E. Massie, Christopher J Leslie
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Publication number: 20110280378Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor assembly includes a bite block used for digital imaging, wherein a surface of the bite block includes a deformable material that readily returns to an undeformed position after a biting force is removed therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Kent A. Feltz, Jeffrey J. Mattson
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Patent number: 8057096Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Scott P. Churchill
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Patent number: 8050381Abstract: The solid-state image pick-up device (1) includes a photodetecting section (10) which is formed by two-dimensionally aligning M×N (M and N are integers not less than 2) pixels in M rows and N columns and has a rectangular photodetecting surface. This solid-state image pick-up device (1) is supported rotatably by a rotation controlling section, and the rotation controlling section controls the rotation angle of the solid-state image pick-up device (1) so that the row direction or column direction of the photodetecting section (10) becomes parallel to the movement direction (B) of the solid-state image pick-up device (1) in one of the two imaging modes, and both of the row direction and the column direction of the photodetecting section (10) tilt with respect to the movement direction (B) of the solid-state image pick-up device (1) in the other imaging mode of the two imaging modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita
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Patent number: 8007171Abstract: There are provided a method and support device for measuring jawbone mineral density using a jawbone X-ray image. The method for measuring jawbone mineral density includes: obtaining a jawbone X-ray image using a support device for jawbone; defining a region of interest from the obtained jawbone X-ray image; and measuring jawbone mineral density from the defined region of interest. Therefore, the support device for measuring jawbone mineral density may be useful to measure jawbone mineral density with a jawbone X-ray imaging device, which has been widely used in dental clinics, by using the method.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Soo Yeul Lee, Jeong Won Lee, Seung Hwan Kim, Seon Hee Park
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Patent number: 7997796Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Planmeca OyInventor: Christian De Godzinsky
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Patent number: 7972060Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral dental radiology sensor. The sensor comprises an electronic image acquisition module and a molded casing made of a hard plastic which is locally provided with overmoldings made of a softer plastic having the consistency of smooth rubber, covering the hard plastic in areas located on the outside of the casing and corresponding to projecting angular portions of the hard plastic, and also in areas located inside the casing at places where the electronic module may bear. The soft plastic is preferably a copolymer of the SEBS (styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene) type whereas the hard plastic is preferably a polyamide. The patient's comfort is improved and the module is better protected against shocks without increasing its size.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: E2V SemiconductorsInventors: Jérôme Guichard, Florian Julien
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Publication number: 20110150185Abstract: The dental fluoroscopic imaging system includes a flat panel detector comprised by a gamma-rays or x-rays converter, a plate, a collector, a processing unit and a transmitter suitable for 2D intraoral/extraoral and 3D extraoral dental fluoroscopy. The x-ray converter contains a material capable of transforming the low dose gamma rays or x-rays beam received from an emitter after going through the dental examination area into electrical signals or a light image consequent with the radiographed image. The plate transmits the electric signals or light image to a collector which amplifies it and sends it to a processing unit and then to transmitter designed to transfer digital images sequentially to a host computer and software which can acquire, process, transform, record, freeze and enhance 2D and 3D images of video frame rates. Two dimensional images are obtained while using a C-arm/U-arm configuration while 3D images are obtained while using the O-arm configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: Daniel Uzbelger Feldman
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Patent number: 7961841Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray photographing apparatus that is capable of being automatically transformed to panoramic, CT, and cephalometric photographing apparatuses having corresponding modes in accordance with the mounting or demounting of a panoramic sensor, a CT sensor, or a cephalometric sensor thereon/therefrom, thereby at once performing the photographing for the images being the corresponding modes.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Vatech Co., Ltd., Vatech Ewoo Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chang Joon Ro, Tae Woo Kim
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Patent number: 7959355Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: George Stantchev
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Patent number: 7945016Abstract: A dental radiology apparatus includes: a generator (18) emitting X-radiation provided with a collimation device collimating the radiation in an appropriate manner using several forms of collimation slits, at least one radiation sensor (20a, 20b) including a first, a second and a third image acquisition surface which are each positioned opposite an appropriate form of slit in order to use the apparatus in panoramic mode, cone beam tomographic mode and mode determining a trajectory which will be used in panoramic mode respectively. In the third mode a form of slit elongated along a plane P is arranged opposite the third surface corresponding to a part of the second surface along a Z-axis perpendicular to the plane P and the assembly is driven in rotation about an axis parallel to the Z-axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: TrophyInventors: Sylvie Bothorel, Vincent Loustauneau, Jean-Marc Inglese
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Publication number: 20110051903Abstract: An auxiliary component that is used with a medical device is modified to provide for additional or enhanced functionality. In one specific embodiment, a sheath surrounds an intraoral electronic image sensor, and is provided with signal conductors integrated therein. Electrical communication is provided between the sensor and the sheath, such as via a direct electrical connection, a capacitive or inductive coupling or an optical link. The sheath, and particularly the signal conductors integrated therein, connects to a cable which in turn connects to another device, such as a processing module or computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Valeriy ARMENCHA, Mark ABRAMOVICH
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Patent number: 7891871Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: E2V SemiconductorsInventor: Michel Ayraud
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Publication number: 20110013745Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: IMAGING SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Uwe Zeller, Doug Golay
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Patent number: 7871199Abstract: A bitewing x-ray film holder for interproximal radiographic analysis. The device includes a bite block including a biting portion, a dental medium holder for placement of a dental x-ray imaging medium, and an alignment guide extending along the biting portion to aid a dental professional in achieving a perpendicular or near perpendicular relationship of the x-ray medium to the interproximal region of clenched maxilliary and mandibular teeth. The bite block also includes a textured portion extending substantially adjacent to the alignment guide to provide friction between the biting surfaces of the teeth and the bite block.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Inventor: Tanya Lisbet Szommer
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Patent number: 7866883Abstract: One describes a radiographic film positioning device, particularly de-signed for use in dentistry, provided with a first assembly for positioning at least one radiographic film that comprises at least one association means for association with a radiographic support, positionable substantially perpendicular to a bone portion of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventors: Asbel Rodrigues Machado, Eder Ferreira Rangel, Keuler Ferreira Rangel
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Publication number: 20100322386Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: John E. Steck, Kimberly C. Brown, Nicole L. Sullivan
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Patent number: 7844092Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image. The associated spatial location information may be used to automatically correlate the acquired image to a tooth or teeth within the mouth and/or to automatically orient the acquired image for display.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
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Patent number: 7819579Abstract: A system for holding and aligning a radiation sensing device is described. The system includes a radiation sensing device having a sensor engagement member. The system also includes a holder having a retention member including first and second retention guides connected with opposing ends of a back plate. The first retention guide also includes a complementary holder engagement member configured to mate with the sensor engagement member at a preset position.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventors: Harold K. Schmulenson, Tom Gillen
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Publication number: 20100254518Abstract: A new and improved digital sensor assembly for use in a filmless radiography system is disclosed. The sensor is configured to be universal in that it can be rotated about a cable connection thereby allowing the sensor to be used both vertically and horizontally in the oral cavity. The rotatability of the sensor allows it to fit comfortably and close to a target area in an intraoral cavity. By providing a comfortable relative fit to the target area, the sensor is ergonomically improved, in terms of its comfort and feel to a dental patient. Alternative sensor assembly embodiments disclosed herein relate to quick disconnect-type coupling arrangements between the sensor body and the sensor cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Louie Khouri
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Patent number: 7798708Abstract: The invention relates to an x-ray device (50) comprising an x-ray sensitive camera (55) for creating tomograms, especially panoramic tomograms. Means for creating 3D shots of a partial volume of the mandibular arch are also provided, said 3D shots being created especially by a second image receiver (5) for creating a 2D shot and means for taking a plurality of 2D shots from different directions and creating a 3D shot therefrom, preferably according to conebeam technology with the associated reconstruction algorithms. The x-ray-sensitive camera (55) comprises a first x-ray sensitive image receiver (4) for creating a tomogram, and a second x-ray sensitive image receiver (5) for creating plane shots.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Norbert Erhardt, Werner Günther
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Publication number: 20100220839Abstract: An intraoral sensor 1 includes: a case 4 having a first plate-shaped portion 12 and a second plate-shaped portion 16 that face each other; a photodetecting element 34 contained in the case 4 so that a light incident surface faces the first plate-shaped portion 12; a cover 6a, arranged on the outer surface of the second plate-shaped portion 16, for covering an opening 16a; and fixing members 32a and 32b, arranged between the second plate-shaped portion 16 and the cover 6a, for fixing to the case 4 a signal cable 24 connected to the photodetecting element 34 extending via the opening 16a from the inside to the outside of the case 4. This enables improvement of a connection strength between the case of the imaging device and the signal cable extending from an opposite side of the imaging surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Shin-ichiro Takagi, Kazuhisa Miyaguchi
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Patent number: 7775713Abstract: An arrangement for dental imaging having an intraoral sensor, which receives radiation at the moment of exposure for providing image data. The intraoral sensor comprises a housing (1), which encloses a detector and electronics and an orientation sensor (5), which senses orientation of the intraoral sensor at the moment of imaging to provide orientation information. A display unit (6, 7) and data transfer elements (3, 4), are connected to the detector and electronics for transmitting the image data and orientation information to the display unit. The display unit has image processing software, which processes the image data and utilizes the orientation information relevant to the image data for having an image to be presented on a display unit shown the right way.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: PaloDEx Group OyInventors: Timo Klemola, Mika Anttila, Markku Nieminen
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Patent number: 7773720Abstract: A unit for X-ray CT imaging to be set in a panorama X-ray imaging apparatus having a cassette holder has a digital sensor cassette for CT imaging to be set in the cassette holder, includes a two-dimensional X-ray detector for acquiring X-ray projection data for CT imaging of an object, and a controller for controlling a timing of X-ray CT imaging, a radiation field of X-ray beam generated by the X-ray detector, and the rotary device. Alternatively, the unit has the digital sensor cassette for X-ray CT imaging, an image reconstructor which calculates to convert the X-ray projection data obtained with the two-dimensional X-ray detector to a distribution of X-ray absorption coefficients of the object and creates tomographic image data of sections of the object, and an image processor which sends and receives signals for X-ray CT imaging between the X-ray detector and the image reconstructor when the digital sensor cassette for CT imaging is set in the cassette holder.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Makoto Honjo, Takahiro Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7677798Abstract: The system for taking images includes a portable base (2) for managing an image sensor (1) used to take the image of a tooth, providing an electronic image which is transmitted to display circuits (80), and it includes sequencing circuits, which respond to the action of image file validation circuits, the sequencing circuits managing a library, for filing a sequence of image files, by associating, with each validated image file, rank sequence data in the sequence.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: VisiodentInventors: Meyer Ohnona, Jacques Sebag
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Patent number: RE41197Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cephalometric imaging using an apparatus (1) which comprises an X-ray source (5), a line detector camera (8) equipped with a digital detector, which line detector camera is located to a position far away from the X-ray source (5) for carrying out cephalometric imaging while the slot of the line detector camera is substantially vertical. In cephalometric imaging, an X-ray beam (11) located substantially on the vertical plane is directed from the X-ray source (5) through the object being imaged, and the X-ray source (5) is at the same time turned about the rotation center (13) located between the X-ray source and the line detector camera (8) in order to scan the object being imaged in the horizontal direction, whereby the line detector camera (8) is moved during the scanning movement in such a way that the ray beam (11) meets the slot (14) of the line detector camera.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: PaloDEx Group OyInventor: Panu Kopsala