Miscellaneous Patents (Class 433/229)
  • Patent number: 11873153
    Abstract: An implant storage container according to an embodiment of present invention comprises an implant body, a holding block connected to the implant body, a cover storing the implant body and connected to the holding block and a sealing member configured to seal a boundary between the holding block and the cover to maintain a vacuum state inside the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: PLASMAPP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youbong Lim, Seunghun Lee, Junyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 11864967
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dental implant packaging container including: a see-through body unit in which upper and lower sides are open to form an accommodation space so that a dental implant fixture is accommodated therein and which is made of a material through which UV light for surface modification passes; a first cap unit which includes a hollow first cap body configured to cover an upper end portion of the accommodation space, a first fixing part protruding from a lower portion of the first cap body and having a coupling surface formed on an outer side portion, and a protruding part provided to protrude from the first fixing; a hollow holder unit which has an outer circumferential portion coupled to an inner circumference of the see-through body unit and an inner circumferential portion coupled to the coupling surface to mediate the connection between the see-through body unit and the first cap unit; and a second cap unit which includes a second fixing part fitted and coupled to a lower end port
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DIO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Cheol Kim, Jin Baek Kim
  • Patent number: 11844663
    Abstract: A light curing dental system comprising a light emitting tray that precisely distributes an optimal amount of curing light energy to internal, external and extra oral portions of the dental arch to cure a dental material. The light curing dental system generally includes a light source, a light emitting dental tray, an activation module and a photocurable dental material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Ruth, William Kane, Joseph Gordon, Luke Hagan, David Copeland, Andrew Burke, Dustin Gaidos, Christos Angeletakis
  • Patent number: 11458003
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oral care device for teeth whitening or other purpose. The device is designed to provide a uniform light intensity distribution at the teeth. This is achieved by use of a light guide which at some surface parts is separated from surrounding parts of the mouthpiece of the oral care device by air-filled separation portions. The light guide mixes the injected light to improve the uniformity of the light intensity. In 5 order to couple light out from the light guide, the mouthpiece comprises an out-coupling structure located opposite to the buccal side of the teeth. The out-coupling structure may be shaped, e.g. by changing the area or density of parts of the out-coupling structure depending on the distance to a location of the light guide where light is injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Olaf Thomas Johan Antonie Vermeulen, Adrianus Wilhelmus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart, Pascal Jean Henri Bloemen
  • Patent number: 11376108
    Abstract: A dental tray with encapsulated fluid that includes an arched tray frame having a bottom surface spanning a tray length separating ends of the tray frame, an outer sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface, an inner sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface. The inner sidewall surfaces of the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall and the bottom surface of the tray frame define a tray channel spanning the tray length and the continuous tray channel has a teeth applicator fluid housed therein. The tray frame also includes a flexible cover selectively removably coupled to the upper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the tray frame in a hermetically sealed configuration to encapsulate the teeth applicator fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ORATRAY INC
    Inventors: Fernando Volante, Martin Fernandez Feo
  • Patent number: 10918459
    Abstract: A dental implantation system is provided, comprising an implantation device adapted to prepare a site within a mouth of a patient for receiving a dental implant. A guidance device is operably engaged with the implantation device and is adapted to operably engage the mouth of the patient. The engagement between the guidance device and the mouth of the patient provides a fiducial marker for guiding the implantation device to prepare the site for receiving the dental implant. An associated method of implanting a dental implant, and associated devices, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Neocis, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Ricardo Salcedo, Federico Grande
  • Patent number: 10898305
    Abstract: A universal cervical matrix for dental use comprising a lamina having at least an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer comprising a non-stick surface to prevent adhering to a chemically-cured dental restoration material, and the outer layer comprising an energy-absorbing material. The energy-absorbing material absorbs energy output from a dental curing light and provides heat to the dental restoration material, thereby increasing curing rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Simon P. McDonald, Alejandro Aubone
  • Patent number: 10758330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mouthpiece (100) for illumination of teeth, e.g. for teeth whitening. The mouthpiece comprises a slab shaped light guide (203), at least one light source arranged for injecting light into the light guide and an optically transparent element (101) arranged to contact the light guide. The optically transparent element has a lower refractive index than the light guide to enable total internal refection of the injected light. Light is coupled out of the light guide by an out-coupling structure (210) and through a part of the optically transparent part located between the light guide and the buccal side of the teeth to illuminated the teeth with uniform light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Olaf Thomas Johan Antonie Vermeulen, Nigel David Young, Pascal Jean Henri Bloemen
  • Patent number: 10675122
    Abstract: A spinal implant device identifiable after implantation comprises an outer cage member and an implant body. The implant body is disposed between a first vertebra end and a second vertebra end of the outer cage and defines a plurality of planes. Each of the planes comprises separately readable indicia such that the indicia are discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Kieser
  • Patent number: 10531934
    Abstract: A system and method for repositioning teeth in a patient jaw includes an attachment bonded to a tooth. The attachment has at least one force receiving component for receiving a force. A polymeric shell repositioning appliance is positioned over at least some of the teeth in the patient jaw. The polymeric shell has at least one force transmitting component for engaging the force receiving component to form a locus of engagement. The locus of engagement transmits the force and moves but is maintained as the tooth is repositioned. In specific embodiments the locus of engagement is maintained over a substantial range of motion. The force transmitted at the locus of engagement increases in response to the tooth lagging an intended position. A space between the positioned appliance and the tooth permits the tooth to move into an intended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Peter G. Knopp, Aaron J. Miller, Rob van den Berg
  • Patent number: 10376350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental light-curing device (10) provided for dental material to be cured, which comprises a handpiece (20) and a base station, wherein the handpiece (20) has a light source, in particular having a plurality of LED chips (42, 44, 46 and 48), which—with respect to the optical axis—are arranged one next to the other, a control device (22) for the light source and at least one sensor, which is arranged adjacent to the light source, wherein—again with respect to the optical axis—a light guiding device, in particular a light guide rod (12), extends in front of the light source, which light guide rod (12) has a passband for wavelengths which comprises at least blue visible light and, in particular, also green visible light and UV light, and having a selecting device for control programs of the control device (22), in particular a push button on the handpiece (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Bruno Senn, Dario Tommasini
  • Patent number: 10034634
    Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce Willard Hultgren
  • Patent number: 9569588
    Abstract: An information storage device may be semi-permanently attached to a wearer. The device can include an outer casing configured to be compatible with long term contact with a human body. A data storage component may store information of the wearer and a transceiver may wirelessly communicate information from the data storage component. The stored information can be, for example, the complete medical history of the wearer, “emergency” medical information, prescriptions, medical warnings (e.g., past history of coronary problems), financial information, social security numbers, or other useful information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: John C. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9241774
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for a patterned dental positioning appliance. One method embodiment includes receiving a dental mold of a patient's dentition, applying a pattern to a portion of the dental mold, and applying a material to the dental mold to form the removable dental positioning appliance that includes either the pattern on the portion of the dental mold or an inverse thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 9055987
    Abstract: A device for implanting heat deformable fixation elements of different sizes in a bone, comprises a hand piece extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including an internal optical waveguide connected to a laser source and open to the distal end of the hand piece and a light guiding tip extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the light guiding tip being removably mechanically and optically connectable to the distal end of the hand piece and the distal end of the light guiding tip being configured to permit removable attachment of a bone fixation element, the light guiding tip including an optical waveguide, wherein the light guiding tip is configured to control a total radiant energy Q transmitted from the laser source to the bone fixation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Urs Hulliger
  • Patent number: 9026238
    Abstract: In general the invention is directed to computer implemented systems and methods for assessing the size of a dental restoration blank. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising dental CAD application code which implements the following procedures: generating in a computer memory a three dimensional digital rendering of a dental restoration; generating in the computer a digital rendering of a blank volume, the blank volume corresponding in dimensions to the usable volume of a blank that is available for milling, and the blank volume having a boundary corresponding to its edges; calculating areas of the dental restoration which are beyond the boundary; and providing the calculated areas to a calling function, user, user interface, or module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Kraemer, Guenter Hertlein
  • Patent number: 8929635
    Abstract: A method for segmenting a feature of interest from a volume image acquires image data elements from the image of a subject. One or more boundary points along a boundary of the feature of interest are identified according to one or more geometric primitives with reference to the displayed view. A foreground seed curve is defined according to the one or more identified boundary points. A background field array that lies outside of, and is spaced from, the foreground seed curve by a predetermined distance, is defined. Segmentation is applied to the volume image according to foreground values obtained according to image data elements that are spatially bounded on or within the foreground seed curve and according to background field array values to create a segmented feature of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Shoupu Chen, Lawrence A. Ray
  • Patent number: 8851887
    Abstract: An intra-oral mouth vibrator preferably includes a lower bite pad, an upper bite pad, a retention pad, at least two vibratory motors and a power source. Two holes are formed through the upper bite pad to receive the two vibratory motors. One end of a wire is connected to the two vibratory motors to supply power thereto. The other end of the wire is connected to a power source. The retention pad preferably includes a perimeter retention lip. The upper bite pad is placed on a top of the lower bite pad. The upper and lower bite pads are inserted into the retention pad. In use, the vibratory motors receive electrical power from the power source, which causes the at least two vibratory motors to vibrate. The vibration causes the lower bite pad, the upper bite pad and the retention pad to vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Ostreicher
  • Patent number: 8721844
    Abstract: Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mohammad Al Rifai
  • Patent number: 8708701
    Abstract: Vibrating dental devices and accessories are provided, including a unique snap fit dental plate and vibrator connection; risers for adjusting the thickness of a dental plate; a pointer or wand that can be clamped onto a dental plate to reach even severely misaligned teeth; a cushioned dental plate having a non-Newtonian fluid therein that allows conformation of the cushion to the dentition, but hardens on use to allow the transmission of vibration to the teeth. Accessories such as carrying cases and docking stations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Levens, W. Brent Tarver
  • Patent number: 8622993
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for administering at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to at least one of the maxillary sinuses of a patient in need thereof. Alternate embodiments may comprise administration of the at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to both maxillary sinuses, where the administered therapeutic substance(s) are either the same or differ from sinus to sinus. Still further alternative embodiments may comprise more than an initial effective dose administered to a patient's maxillary sinus(es), so that the therapeutic substance may be delivered over time, thereby requiring a larger dose be deposited within at least one of the maxillary sinuses so that the maxillary sinus(es) serve as a therapeutic substance depot for long-term release to the target structure(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: HealthPartners Research Foundation
    Inventors: William H. Frey, II, Neil J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8577493
    Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 8529257
    Abstract: A spray glaze or opaque composition for coating dental restorations and other surfaces and objects such as hobby ceramics that comprises about 4 to about 50 weight % glaze material, about 5 to about 60 weight % restoration wetting agent, and about 10 to about 90% non CFC propellant. An opaque composition further comprises about 5 to about 30% opaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: EnameLite, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip G. Pitts, James R. Vinson
  • Patent number: 8465285
    Abstract: A dental fulcrum composed of soft material, such as foam, containing a slit for the insertion of incisors, and used as a pivot for scaling, or other treating, teeth by an oral hygienist or dentist. The dental fulcrum protects the fingers of an oral hygienist or dentist from calluses, or loss of sensitivity over time, while at the same time providing friction to reduce the risk of injury caused by fingers slipping on wet incisors. The device may be disposable or reusable, depending on the material used. Foam provides the additional benefit of absorbing saliva to further reduce the risk of slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Zoya Hajirasouliha
  • Patent number: 8444417
    Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Stemnion, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Golden, Randall G. Rupp
  • Patent number: 8298329
    Abstract: Unlike conventional dental ceramic powder made by grinding, dental ceramic nanocrystals are formed by vaporization into individual particles. Tetragonal zirconia particles thus formed are not broken into pieces, and so do not transform to weaker monoclinic zirconia and weaker sintered products. The particles created by this approach can be much smaller, and dental prostheses sintered from this powder can be stronger and more realistic. For instance, the smaller size of sintered tetragonal zirconia crystals increases optical translucence by reducing scattering from birefringence, and the small average particle size and tight distribution of sizes and shapes can essentially eliminate pores in a sintered product. Cylindrical and spherical particles can be manufactured by this approach, whereas prior art dental ceramic particles were generally neither.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Knapp, Steven M. Maginnis, Wolfgang Friebauer, Robin A. Carden
  • Patent number: 8261748
    Abstract: A device for treating sleep apnea, the device comprising a tongue attachment member and a maxilla attachment subassembly. The tongue attachment member is fabricated having a sheath interlock member extending upward from a dorsal side of a sheath. The sheath is shaped to conform to a surface of an individual's tongue. A tongue receiving cavity is formed within the sheath, the cavity comprising an opening provided at a proximal end for receiving the individual's tongue. The sheath is referenced having a dorsal side and a ventral side. A sheath interlock member extends outward from the dorsal side. The maxilla tray is shaped to conform to and removably engage with an individual's upper dental arch. A tray interlock member extends from an interlock side of the maxilla tray and is positioned to interlock with the sheath interlock member, whereby the system extends an individual's tongue forward to treat sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Howell Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8145340
    Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 8142562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curable dental retraction composition for reacting gingiva from a prepared tooth structure. The composition comprises an alginate, a di- and/or trivalent ion source, water, a retarder and a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas Klettke, Ruediger Hampe
  • Patent number: 8021149
    Abstract: An apparatus to replicate and analyze movement of a mandible relative to a maxilla with dental casts thereof includes a base frame, an arm connected to the base frame and a suspension assembly positionable by a plurality of electro-mechanical actuators. The arm connects to the base frame and supports the dental cast of the maxilla in a fixed position relative to the base frame. The suspension assembly, having opposing first and second sides, supports the dental cast of the mandible in working relation to the dental cast of the maxilla. The plurality of actuators each selectively impart movement to the sides of the suspension assembly such that the movement of the mandible obtained during a recording process can be replicated on the apparatus in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Gnath Tech Dental Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Yevsey Gutman, John Joseph Keller
  • Publication number: 20110136076
    Abstract: The invention provides an identification device, which comprises a dental implantation carrier and an information storage element therein. The identification device has good privacy and bio-compatibility. The invention also provides a method for identification by using the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Jung LI
  • Patent number: 7947508
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for intra-orally diagnosing a body condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Tricca, Benjamin M. Wu, Chunhua Li, Eric E. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20110076647
    Abstract: Dental identifier and coding method for a human or animal. The dental identifier includes a coding arranged on at least a portion of a dental element, while the method includes applying a coding to a dental element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: DITZEL GMBH & CO. KG GRUNDSTUECKS-UND BETEILIGUNGSGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas DITZEL, Peter NEUMEIER
  • Patent number: 7766658
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting or diagnosing diseases by sampling and testing intra-oral fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Tricca, Benjamin M. Wu, Chunhua Li, Eric Kuo
  • Patent number: 7738989
    Abstract: A virtual model of an intraoral cavity is provided, wherein this process is initialized by a dental clinic, and the design and manufacture of a suitable dental prosthesis for the intraoral cavity is shared between a dental lab and a service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Cadent Ltd.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 7658192
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for maintaining upper airway patency during sleep for the treatment of sleeping disorders, upper airway resistance syndrome, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas C. Harrington
  • Patent number: 7654825
    Abstract: A patient-controlled device for inhibiting intraoperative dental pain is disclosed. The device includes a removable tooth clamp, an actuator unit, and a control box. The actuator defines unit includes a vibratory actuator and a coupling device for coupling the vibratory actuator to the tooth clamp. The control box is electrically connected to the vibratory actuator and includes at least one controller. In this regard, the removable tooth clamp is configured to be attached to at least one tooth of a patient, and upon final assembly, the controller initiates oscillation of the tooth clamp via the vibratory actuator and vibrates the tooth/teeth to inhibit intraoperative dental pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Charles D. Ray
  • Publication number: 20090237236
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely and monitoring the location of a person through a microchip mounted in a tooth of a person which communicates by a communication link to a Global Positioning System to obtain geographic location information relating to the physical location of a person, and by another communication link to a remote tracking device to obtain the geographic information to determine and provide an indication of the physical location of a person. The microchip is disposed in a cavity formed in a tooth of a person which is filled with dental filling material to fix the microchip in the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Sami Maassarani
  • Publication number: 20090220921
    Abstract: An electronic and transducer device can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a two-way communication assembly. The device contains a motion sensor to detect external forces imposed on the user such as an explosion, for example. The information is stored for medical treatment, among others. In another embodiment, the device provides an electronic and transducer device that can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a medical tag containing patient identifiable information. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI
  • Patent number: 7581846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sink material that can more efficiently remove or divert heat from a light source or sources with a given weight of heat sink material when compare to a heat sink made of a solid block of thermally conductive material such as metal. It further relates to a heat sink that can more efficiently remove or divert heat from a curing light device when a reduced weight of heat sink material is used. The inventive heat sink has at least one suitable phase change material including organic materials, inorganic materials and combinations thereof. These materials can undergo substantially reversible phase changes, and can typically go through a large, if not an infinite number of cycles without losing their effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Discus Dental, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hayman, Younes Shabany, Eric P. Rose
  • Patent number: 7563096
    Abstract: Novelty synthetic dental arrangements having one or more anomalous appearing synthetic novelty teeth. In an embodiment, the anomalous appearing synthetic novelty teeth include an interior cavity for filling with an acrylic based plastic impression material and directly coupling to a natural tooth. In another embodiment, a synthetic denture assembly which incorporates a plurality of individual synthetic novelty teeth bound to a synthetic gum element. Both novelty synthetic dental arrangements are held in position by a generally rigid curing impression material which forms a custom fir with the user's teeth when cured. The impression material utilizes dental grade reagents including an isobutyl methacrylate based monomer, a dibutyl phthalate based plasticizer and an amyl acetate based solvent. Additional chemical components are present in the impression material precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Arthur H. Goldiner
  • Publication number: 20090104586
    Abstract: A subantral membrane elevator comprising an inflatable balloon and an over-formed membrane (e.g., collagen membrane), which is resorbable into the body, and a method of using the same in bone augmentation surgery, such as alveolar bone augmentation preparatory to implantation of a dental implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Osseous Technologies of America
    Inventors: Ronald F. Cardoso, Dennis Smiler, William K. Knox
  • Publication number: 20090035729
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for chewing obstruction, the apparatus comprising: a pad, the contour of which corresponds to the contour of one or more molar or premolar teeth; and an adherent, for adhering the pad to one or more molar teeth. Preferably, the thickness of the pad is substantially between 0.5 to 10 mm. The adherent may comprise an adhesive substance. The pad may comprise a flexible substance, such as a spongy material (e.g., polypropylene) and rubber. According to one embodiment of the invention, the adherent is adapted to lose the adhesiveness thereof after a certain time period. Preferably, the time period is between one and five hours. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a medicament form, comprising: a pad in which a dissolving medicament is absorbed; and an adherent, for adhering said pad to one or more teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Meir Pele
  • Publication number: 20080288289
    Abstract: Method and system for providing generating an orthodontic treatment data package, generating a patient identifier associated with the orthodontic treatment data package, transmitting the generated orthodontic treatment data package to a remote site, encoding the patient identifier and disposing the encoded patient identifier on a housing of an orthodontic treatment container are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Akash Sah
  • Publication number: 20080261173
    Abstract: A clip assembly (57) retains a ring structure (35) which contains a plurality of individual color coded rings (7). A hand held tool (3), such as a dental instrument having a shaft (6) may be marked with a colored ring (7) by inserting the shaft (6) through the aperture (64) of the ring and separating the ring from the structure (35) by a twisting or pulling motion. The clip assembly (57) and the structure (35) are protected from contamination by transparent covers (65, 66). A stand (67) may be used to retain the clip assembly prior to and after use, with or without the presence of the covers (65. 66). The stand can also retain a tape dispenser (68) which contains colored tape (31) as may be needed for marking instruments that are not suitable for labeling with a ring (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: James Michael Campion
  • Publication number: 20080206717
    Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment apparatus comprising a device which generates an electric or electromagnetic field having a field voltage of 1,800 to 35,000 V by means of a voltage of 12 to 600 V, a current strength of 0.1 ?A to 100 ?A, and a frequency of 10,000 to 35,000 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Harald Mylius
  • Patent number: 7413597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging powder for dental restoration using a CAD/CAM device, wherein the powder has improved properties as compared to existing contrast media. The present invention also relates to a method of making and using the imaging powder for use with the CAD/CAM dental imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Elaine Lewis
  • Patent number: 7396507
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of microbial reduction and/or sterilization of impression materials, specifically elastomeric impression materials, by means of steam sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Heraus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Grunwald, Birgit Esser
  • Publication number: 20080108016
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental prosthesis identification means. The invention furthermore relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a dental prosthesis, whereby in this method and device, an identification means is formed or the formation of such an identification means is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: etkon Centrum fur dentale CAD/CAM-Technologie AG
    Inventors: Stephan Holzner, Gerhard Weber
  • Patent number: RE44046
    Abstract: A light hardening device is provided for hardening a light hardenable mass applied for dental purposes that has a first light emitting diode for emitting light at a range of intensities corresponding to a set of wavelengths which at most only partially overlap a range of light sensitivities of a photo initiator comprised in the mass. The light hardening device also includes a second light emitting diode for emitting light at a range of intensities corresponding to a set of wavelengths which overlap the set of photo initiator light sensitivities to a relatively greater extent than the partial overlap of the range of first light emitting diode intensities with the range of photo initiator light sensitivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Peter Burtscher, Wolfgang Plank, Gottfried Rohner