Dental Panoramic Patents (Class 378/38)
  • Patent number: 8290119
    Abstract: For dental and facial imaging, a source of x-rays (14) or other penetrating radiation and a detector (20) are mounted opposite one another on a rotatable gantry (28), so that the head of the patient can be positioned between the source (14) and the detector (20), with the axis of rotation (36) of the gantry passing through the patient's head. The detector is longer in one direction than in the perpendicular direction, generally rectangular, and is rotatable between a position in which the long axis is transverse to the axis of rotation of the gantry and a position in which the long axis is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the gantry. The length of the detector along the long axis is sufficient for fully detailed computed CT when the long axis is transverse, and for full-face CT when the long axis is parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Imaging Sciences International LLC
    Inventors: Henry Tancredi, Edward Marandola, John Tancredi
  • Publication number: 20120243762
    Abstract: A dental CT apparatus includes a control system arranged to move a radiation source and an imaging sensor on the opposite sides of an imaging station. The control system includes at least a first imaging mode designed for imaging patients and means for selecting at least one second imaging mode in which the source of radiation and the imaging sensor are driven during an exposure at an angular velocity of less than 4 degrees/second. A digital three dimensional models of teeth are generated based on imaging impressions or models of teeth by a CT apparatus provided with at least one specific imaging mode for the purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: PLANMECA OY
    Inventors: Jukka Kanerva, Henri Veisterä, Jaakko Lähelmä
  • Patent number: 8275217
    Abstract: An apparatus provides an image on the basis of a plurality of input images. The apparatus includes a first stage having at least a first and a second combiner, each of the combiners including a first storer for storing image data of the input images, a first processor for processing the image data of the input images into an intermediate image, and a second storer for storing image data of the intermediate image. The apparatus further includes a second stage having at least one further combiner, the further combiner including a third storer for storing image data of those intermediate images which are stored in the second storer of the first stage, a second processor for processing the image data from the third storer, so as to combine the image data of the intermediate images into the image, and a fourth storer for storing image data of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Kube, Oliver Scholz, Rolf Behrendt
  • Publication number: 20120230467
    Abstract: There is provided a panoramic imaging apparatus which serves as a radiation imaging apparatus. The panoramic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube radiating an X-ray as a radiation, a detector outputting digital-quantity frame data corresponding to an incident X-ray, and moving means moving the pair of X-ray tube and the detector relatively to an object. The apparatus further includes means for acquiring the frame data from the detector during movement of the X-ray tube and the detector, and means for optimally focusing a portion being imaged of the object using the acquired data and producing a three-dimensional optimally focused image in which the real size and shape of the portion being imaged are reflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TELESYSTEMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitoshi Katsumata, Koichi Ogawa, Tsutomu Yamakawa, Masahiro Tsujita, Tatsuya Nagano, Kazuhide Kitou
  • Patent number: 8251583
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Lyubomir L. Cekov, Arkady Kantor, Donald Walker, Alan P. Krema
  • Patent number: 8254520
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method, etc. capable of producing a panorama tomogram with a simple operation whenever required by the operator. The present invention relates to an image processing method for producing a panorama tomogram of the dental arch using the X-ray projection data on the dentomaxillofacial region obtained by the X-ray computer tomography. The image processing method according to the present invention includes the steps of retrieving the dental arch projection data corresponding to the dental arch from the X-ray projection data based on the preset position and shape information to specify the position and shape of the dental arch from the X-ray projection data (S3) and generating a panorama tomogram by executing a predetermined process using the dental arch projection data (S4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Sadakane, Masakazu Suzuki, Hideki Yoshikawa, Teruji Nakai, Tetsuzo Ito
  • Publication number: 20120213329
    Abstract: A combined transport frame, base, and workstation for holding a panoramic dental X-ray machine. A weighted metal base is structured with fork-lift receiving pallet-type openings. A hinge installed in the tall column enables the column to be pivoted down for shipping and storage to fit under normal doorways. High impact polyurethane panels are attached to the metal frame for shipping. Sides of frame open up with computer controls and printer. A double fan forced air cooling system in the X-ray head to keep the head cool allows many X-rays to be taken in a day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Rodney Holum, JR.
  • Patent number: 8223915
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cefla S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 8149990
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Christian De Godzinsky
  • Patent number: 8130901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to limiting an x-ray beam used in connection with dental extra oral imaging by a plate mechanism (1) arranged to be operated by a drive mechanism including an actuator (3) arranged to move at least one plate element (2, 3) comprised in the mechanism (1). The plate mechanism (1) includes at least a first and a second plate element (2, 3) which include at least a first slot (12) and a second slot (13), respectively, and said drive mechanism is arranged to directly or indirectly move said first plate element (2) independently of location of said second plate element (3) and said second plate element (3) is arranged to be moved as dependent on the movements of said first plate element (2) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Timo Müller
  • Patent number: 8126112
    Abstract: An osseo classification and 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 and classifying osseo structure and/or prosthetic osseointegration. An osseo classification and 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald E. Massie, Christopher J. Leslie
  • Patent number: 8102965
    Abstract: In order to set up digital image acquisition in classic panoramic X-ray machines, the invention proposes providing a row of detectors in the cartridge unit of the machines, said row of detectors being arranged or being able to be arranged behind the recording slit. The output signals from the row of detectors and the output signals from a rotary encoder are wirelessly transferred to an evaluation unit. Retrofitting the digital image acquisition thus does not require any intervention in safety-related parts of the panoramic X-ray machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Thoms
  • Patent number: 8073100
    Abstract: A panoramic X-ray apparatus, comprising at least a support element (2), a patient support (9) arranged to be movable in a vertical direction and an imaging station (4a). The panoramic X-ray apparatus has a support structure (4) arranged to support at least the imaging station (4a), and it has an actuator (15) producing a vertical linear motion for moving at least the imaging station (4a) to different height positions. The panoramic X-ray apparatus comprises a transmission mechanism (28) which affects the velocity/travel distance of the vertical movement of the imaging station (4a) and which is connected at least to the actuator (15) and either to the aforesaid support structure (4) or to the aforesaid support element in such manner that the velocity/travel distance of the vertical movement of the imaging station (4a) is substantially greater than the velocity/travel distance of the motion imparted by the actuator (15) to the transmission mechanism (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventors: Petri Pohjoispuro, Timo Müller
  • Patent number: 8050381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Harumichi Mori, Ryuji Kyushima, Kazuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8008628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Boucly, Jean-Marc Inglese, Philippe Congy
  • Patent number: 8005186
    Abstract: A dental complex imaging system includes a base and chair on the base for allowing a patient sit; a base-mounted pole adjacent to the chair; a support part extending toward the patient; an expanding and contracting part pivotally coupled to the support part; a radiation generator that moves with the part for emitting radiation for an imaging mode selected from cephalography, panoramic radiography, and CT scanning; a detector disposed on the other side of the part and opposed to the generator; and a controller for reading imaging information, wherein the generator is disposed to slide to adjust a distance between itself and the detector according to the imaging mode while the patient sits on the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ray Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20110194670
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7978813
    Abstract: An x-ray CT imaging apparatus emits an x-ray cone beam to an object to generate an x-ray CT image on the basis of a transmission x-ray which is transmitted through the object. An image generation part generates an image obtained by superposing an imaging object region display on a position setting image representing the object and displays the image on a display part. The image generation part changes the imaging object region display in accordance with an x-ray CT imaging mode selected by an imaging mode selection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20110142197
    Abstract: A patient positioning system for a panoramic dental radiation imaging system, including an upright support, and a patient positioning arm with chin rest mounted thereto. Wands are each rotatably connected to the patient positioning arm and connected together so as to move at identical angles of rotation, but in the opposite direction. Lasers, including a mid-sagittal, a Frankfort Plane, two cuspid, and one toe laser, each providing a line of visible laser light directed at a respective area of a patient's face, or at the floor, assist a technician in properly positioning the patient. A mirror is mounted to the upright support by a mechanism that permits the mirror to be pivoted outward from the support, in either of two directions, so as to enable the technician to see the lasers on the patient's face from the technician's position on either side of the positioning arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Walker, Arkady Kantor, Lyubomir L. Cekov, Alan P. Krema
  • Publication number: 20110142198
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Lyubomir L. Cekov, Arkady Kantor, Donald Walker, Alan P. Krema
  • Patent number: 7961841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignees: Vatech Co., Ltd., Vatech Ewoo Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Joon Ro, Tae Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20110129058
    Abstract: In a method for the creation of a dental 3D radiograph of at least a subregion, forming a volume (42, V1, V2), of an object (14) using an X-ray apparatus (1), said volume can be recorded as a 3D radiograph from a plurality of projected images during a revolution around said object. At least a part of the object (14) is displayed in a graphical representation (40, 71, 72, 73) before the radiograph of the volume (42, V1, V2) is created, the position of the graphical representation (40, 71, 72, 73, 74) relative to the current position of the apparatus and the patient being known.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Ulrici, Roland Bonk
  • Patent number: 7945016
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Trophy
    Inventors: Sylvie Bothorel, Vincent Loustauneau, Jean-Marc Inglese
  • Patent number: 7929661
    Abstract: A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras. These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient; during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient and imaging requirements; after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: CEFLA S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7916833
    Abstract: An extra-oral digital panoramic dental x-ray imaging system for multi-layer panoramic and transverse X-ray imaging provided with an X-ray source and a digital imaging device providing real time frame mode output and autofocusing. The X-ray source and imaging device are mounted in a mechanical manipulator defining the trajectory of a predetermined image layer. The imaging device communicates with a processor that generates a frames memory from which an image reconstruction mechanism composes the final images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Oy Ajat Ltd.
    Inventors: Tuomas Pantsar, Konstantinos Spartiotis
  • Publication number: 20110033026
    Abstract: A method for creating a tomographic image in the manner of a dental X-ray panoramic tomographic image from a digital 3D volume exhibiting X-ray absorption values, comprising transradiating the 3D volume forming an object to be scanned virtually using a virtual X-ray source, recording the virtually produced image by a virtual detector, and moving the virtual source of X-rays and virtual detector virtually past the object to be scanned with formation of a sharp layer having a blurred area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Ulrici, Erich Hell, Christian Beckhaus
  • Patent number: 7876877
    Abstract: The invention proposes a dental X-ray apparatus comprising a patient-positioning system arranged on a support and having a forehead rest. A horizontally pivotable bearing arm is arranged on the support, and the forehead rest is in turn arranged thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Stockl
  • Patent number: 7876878
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for performing pan-oral imaging. A plurality of data points are generated which are representative of spatial positions of an actual dentition of a patient with respect to a defined spatial coordinate system. A fitted curve through at least a portion of the spatial positions of the dentition is computed using the plurality of data points. A pan-oral image acquisition trajectory is then computed with respect to a defined spatial coordinate system using the fitted curve. A pan-oral image of the dentition is then acquired along the pan-oral image acquisition trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Patent number: 7865261
    Abstract: A method for producing a dental prosthesis element wherein construction relating to the dental prosthesis element is recorded together with measurement data relating to the dental prosthesis element and is reproduced on a display, the measurement data having been recorded by a three-dimensional measurement device. A 3D data record of the tooth situation can be reproduced on the display instead of the construction data. A device for the partial manual treatment of the dental prosthesis element includes a three-dimensional measurement device, a display, and a computer unit for the correlation and comparison of two data records and for graphically presenting the data generated by the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7844092
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apteryx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Patent number: 7835489
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cefla S.C.
    Inventors: Nunzio Alberto Borghese, Iuri Frosio, Eros Nanni, Gerardo Rinaldi, Giuseppe Rotondo
  • Patent number: 7813469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional digital x-ray image by using digital x-ray images taken of the object from at least two different directions as input for a reconstruction algorithm. In the method, at least one of the images used as input is taken as a tomosynthetic slice image of a region of interest (5) in the object (3) of imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Finland Oy
    Inventors: Samuli Siltanen, Petri Jouhikainen
  • Publication number: 20100246761
    Abstract: An extra-oral digital panoramic dental x-ray imaging system for multi-layer panoramic and transverse X-ray imaging providing with an X-ray source and a digital imaging device providing real time frame mode output and autofocusing. The X-ray source and imaging device are mounted in a mechanical manipulator defining the trajectory of a predetermined image layer. The imaging device communicates with a processor that generates a frames memory from which an image reconstruction mechanism composes the final images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: OY AJAT, LTD.
    Inventors: TUOMAS PANTSAR, KONSTANTINOS SPARTIOTIS
  • Patent number: 7801274
    Abstract: A digital dental image apparatus comprising: an intra-oral image sensor configured to output a raw analog video signal; a processing raw analog video signal (PRAVS) means for processing the raw analog video signal for optimum detection; a digitizing, over sampling, and averaging (DOSA) means for digitizing, over sampling, and averaging the optimized analog video signal; a programmable control and signal processing (PCSP) means configured to generate a control signal to control an over sampling rate of the (DOSA) means; and a low noise power supply that improves the intra-oral image sensor performance. The PCSP means is configured to process the DOSA video signal, and configured to output the processed DOSA video signal to an output network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wideband Semiconductors, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Isaksen
  • Patent number: 7787586
    Abstract: A method of displaying a standard observational X-ray CT image for diagnostics for use in an X-ray CT apparatus or an X-ray CT image display apparatus and an apparatus for displaying the same image are disclosed. The standard observational X-ray CT image can be displayed as a display image of at least one of an X-ray CT sectional image and a three-dimensional CT volume image depending on its purpose. The present method involves a step of designating the interested area with respect to the maxillofacial area of the object, a step of producing the standard observational X-ray CT image of the designated interested area, based on the dental arch reference information prepared in advance, and a step of displaying on a display means the standard observational X-ray CT image of the object thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshimura, Tomoyuki Sadakane
  • Patent number: 7785007
    Abstract: A bite device for the correct positioning of a patient when a panoramic X-ray is taken, comprising a holder part which can be placed in a fixed direction in relation to the X-ray device, a plate which can pivot against the holder and which is provided with a bite part into which a patient bites, and means for detecting the pivoting angle A between the plate and the holder part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Stoeckl
  • Patent number: 7780350
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for detecting a faulty positioning between a first element and a second element comprising an electromagnetic wave emitting unit designed to be secured to the first element and an electromagnetic wave receiving and processing unit designed to be secured to the second element. The latter unit co-operates with the electromagnetic wave emitting unit to detect a faulty positioning of the first element relative to the second element. When used for a mobile radiology facility, the first element is, for example, an X-ray generator, and second element is, for example, a radiological image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Tranchant, Sergio Serafini
  • Patent number: 7783002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical X-ray imaging apparatus having a frame part, an X-ray source for producing X-rays, a radiation receiver for detecting radiation transmitted through an object, and a support for supporting the X-ray source and the receiver in positions on opposite sides of the object. The support is connected to the frame part so as to rotate around the axis of rotation provided with actuator means for rotating the support around the said axis of rotation. The apparatus makes possible both panoramic imaging and CT imaging, as selected by the operator. The X-ray apparatus is configured to adjust the ratio of enlargement so as to be optimal for each method of imaging used respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Antti Savinen, Juhani Martti, Esa Suuronen
  • Patent number: 7773720
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Honjo, Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20100195790
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Asbel Rodrigues Machado, Eder Ferreira Rangel, Keuler Ferreira Rangel
  • Publication number: 20100195786
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Chang Joon Ro, Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 7756247
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a panoramic image of part of a target, the apparatus including a source of penetrating radiation and a detector aligned with the source of penetrating radiation. The detector and source of penetrating radiation are rotate-able together with respect to the target. The detector has an array of radiation sensors arranged in rows and columns and is configured to output contents of each radiation sensor in the array of radiation sensors. The apparatus also includes a computer connected to the detector and configured to generate a panoramic image by combining data from sensors in the same row in different columns in different readout intervals, corresponding to different positions of the detector as it rotates with respect to the target. The combined outputs are selected to represent rays of radiation passing through a point on a defined curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Imaging Sciences International LLC
    Inventors: Omid Ebrahimi Kia, Krishnamoorthy Subramanyan, Paul Meredith Crawn, III
  • Publication number: 20100172462
    Abstract: For dental and facial imaging, a source of x-rays (14) or other penetrating radiation and a detector (20) are mounted opposite one another on a rotatable gantry (28), so that the head of the patient can be positioned between the source (14) and the detector (20), with the axis of rotation (36) of the gantry passing through the patient's head. The detector is longer in one direction than in the perpendicular direction, generally rectangular, and is rotatable between a position in which the long axis is transverse to the axis of rotation of the gantry and a position in which the long axis is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the gantry. The length of the detector along the long axis is sufficient for fully detailed computed CT when the long axis is transverse, and for full-face CT when the long axis is parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Tancredi, Edward Marandola, John Tancredi
  • Patent number: 7742560
    Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes plural individual detectors defining an irregular rectangular active area responsive to x-rays and with different widths along a length of the active area. The individual detectors may be of different rectangular shapes and mounted on a motherboard. The motherboard may be formed of a first module mounting a first of two individual detectors and a second module detachable connected to the first module and mounting a second of two individual detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Oy Ajat Ltd.
    Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tom Schulman, Tuomas Pantsar
  • Publication number: 20100128840
    Abstract: A composite imaging apparatus for dental diagnosis, wherein dental diagnosis for teeth/periodontal diseases and orthodontics can be simply done even with an imaging apparatus, and a patient's head portion can be automatically rotated according to image taking directions so as to simplify radiography, save radiography time, and minimize X-ray exposure. The apparatus includes a rotary arm horizontally rotating in left and right directions in order to take an X-ray image of teeth, jawbone and alveolar bone of a patient; a support frame vertically moving with a proper range according to a height of the patient, supporting and enabling the rotary arm to be fixed and horizontally rotate; and an object moving device formed on the base so as to move up and down a for certain range, reciprocate in forward and backward directions, horizontally rotate in forward and reverse directions while the patient is sitting thereon, and facilitate radiography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Young-Jin Cha
  • Patent number: 7720191
    Abstract: This invention relates to a computer tomography apparatus, especially to a computer tomography apparatus intended for use in connection with odontological diagnostics. In the computer tomography apparatus according to the invention, it is essential that one has arranged thereto, in addition to a computer tomography imaging station, a second imaging station comprising second patient support means 16? at a distance from said computer tomography imaging station. The invention enables more versatile odontological imaging than prior art apparatuses, whereby one does not have to acquire to the clinic, in addition to the computer tomography apparatus, e.g. a separate skull-imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventor: Timo Muller
  • Publication number: 20100119036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to limiting an x-ray beam used in connection with dental extra oral imaging by a plate mechanism (1) arranged to be operated by a drive mechanism including an actuator (3) arranged to move at least one plate element (2, 3) comprised in the mechanism (1). The plate mechanism (1) includes at least a first and a second plate element (2, 3) which include at least a first slot (12) and a second slot (13), respectively, and said drive mechanism is arranged to directly or indirectly move said first plate element (2) independently of location of said second plate element (3) and said second plate element (3) is arranged to be moved as dependent on the movements of said first plate element (2) only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: PLANMECA OY
    Inventor: Timo Müller
  • Patent number: 7715525
    Abstract: A multi-functional dental extra-oral x-ray imaging system comprises a conventional x-ray source and manipulator to control the movement of the x-ray source by translating and rotating, a real time multiple frame producing x-ray imaging device and at least two different exposure profile programs, whereas one of such profiles produces a standard panoramic image and a second of such profiles produces an angled or transverse slice to a the panoramic image. A third exposure profile program produces a substantially linear projection of the human skull by combining two linear projections, one for the right and one for the left part of the head. The sensor is a linear direct conversion operating preferably in the frame mode and producing more than 100 fps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Oy Ajat Limited
    Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tuomas Pantsar
  • Patent number: 7715526
    Abstract: A multi-functional dental extra-oral x-ray imaging system includes a conventional x-ray source and manipulator to control the movement of the x-ray source by translating and rotating, a real time multiple frame producing x-ray imaging device and at least two different exposure profile programs, whereas one of such profiles produces a standard panoramic image and a second of such profiles produces an angled or transverse slice to a the panoramic image. A third exposure profile program produces a substantially linear projection of the human skull by combining two linear projections, one for the right and one for the left part of the head. The sensor is a linear direct conversion operating preferably in the frame mode and producing more than 100 fps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Oy Ajat Limited
    Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tuomas Pantsar, Henrik Viking Lohman
  • Publication number: 20100102241
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic detection of x-rays at an x-ray sensor. A source emits x-ray radiation towards an x-ray sensor, and the x-ray sensor automatically detects the x-ray radiation. The x-ray sensor automatically detects x-ray radiation by evaluating a time series and determining that a voltage threshold is crossed a certain amount of time earlier than the average time it takes the voltage threshold to be crossed from dark current and other noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Uwe Zeller