Having Means To Emit Radiation Or Facilitate Viewing Of The Work Patents (Class 433/29)
  • Patent number: 9179843
    Abstract: A low coherence interferometry probe system for evaluating proximity to a tissue layer, comprising a low coherence light source, an excitation optical fiber to bring the low coherence excitation light near the tissue layer and a collection optical fiber for capturing back-scattered light from the tissue layer. The probe system comprises an interferometry sub-system and a processor for evaluating a distance to the tissue layer. There is also provided a spectral absorption probe system for evaluating proximity to an artery, comprising a light source excitation light having a wavelength adapted for absorption by blood chromophores, an excitation optical fiber and a collection optical fiber. The probe system comprises a light detector and a processor for determining a distance to the artery using the Beer-Lambert law of light absorption with a value for surrounding tissue attenuation coefficient (?eff). A probe system combining low coherence interferometry and spectral absorption is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventors: Hassan Ghaderi Moghaddam, Pascal Gallant, Ozzy Mermut, Israël Veilleux
  • Patent number: 9145190
    Abstract: A support structure includes a column having multiple sides. A first side and a second side of the column are disposed at a first angle with respect to another. The second side and a third side of the column are disposed at a second angle with respect to another. The third side and a fourth side of the column are disposed at a third angle with respect to another. The fourth side and a fifth side of the column are disposed at a fourth angle with respect to another. The fifth side may be disposed at a fifth angle with respect to a sixth side and/or the first side of the column, in which the sixth side and the first side of the column may be disposed at a sixth angle with respect to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Exmar Offshore Company
    Inventors: Harris Knecht, Otto Dasilva, Marty Knapp
  • Patent number: 9113700
    Abstract: A method of monitoring tooth brushing comprising: receiving a position signal from a position sensor (601) disposed on a toothbrush (21) comprising a handle and a head (22); receiving a force signal from a force sensor (602) disposed on the toothbrush (21); and calculating a position of the head of the toothbrush using the position signal in combination with the force signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Bates, Derek Guy Savill
  • Patent number: 9080763
    Abstract: A luminaire is provided that is configured as a window having a light guide with one or more light sources coupled to one or more edges of the light guide. Light emitted from the light guide can be used e.g., to supplement natural light passing through the window or to provide illumination when natural light is not available. Because the light source (or light sources) is incorporated into the window along one or more edges of the light guide, the light source can be either partially or totally concealed from view so as to create an appearance that can have aesthetic advantages. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can have an appearance that is the same or similar to a conventional window/skylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Lee Yoder, Thomas Alexander Knapp
  • Patent number: 9072572
    Abstract: A light device includes a body and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. The tip includes a light engine that is operable for emitting light positioned at a distal end of the tip. A power supply circuit is positioned in the housing and coupled to the light engine. The power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. A non-imaging element is coupled with the light engine at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Owen J. Gill, Ruth Barry, Stacy L. Wyatt, Gopikrishnan Soundararajan
  • Patent number: 9066774
    Abstract: A holder for a delivery device for delivering filler material into a prepared root canal comprises a body, a mounting portion adapted to removably receive the delivery device; and a heating circuit having a heating device wherein said heating device is positioned to be in thermal communication with said delivery device when the delivery device is mounted to the holder. The holder thus enables heating of the filling material in situ in the prepared root canal at the time of insertion of the filling material in to the canal and while the filler material is being packed into the prepared canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Endodontic Specialist's Advocate, LLC
    Inventor: Wyatt Simons
  • Patent number: 9066777
    Abstract: A light device includes a housing and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. The tip structure includes a light emitting device that is operable for emitting light positioned at a distal end of the tip structure and a body for housing the light emitting device. The housing is formed of an autoclavable material capable of withstanding autoclaving. A power supply circuit is positioned in the housing and coupled to the light emitting device to power the device when the tip structure is coupled with the housing. The power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element for being charged and the power supply circuit configured to discharge the ultracapacitor as a current source to drive the at least one light emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventor: Owen Gill
  • Publication number: 20150147713
    Abstract: A light for use with an oral anesthesia syringe that is received into a passageway of a barrel of the light. When the syringe is received into a first opening in a proximal end of the barrel's passageway, the needle of the syringe extends through a second opening at the proximal end of the barrel. A plurality of lamps at the distal end of the barrel illuminate the needle, the interior of a patient's mouth, and an injection site of the needle. A battery is included in the light for powering the lamps. Power is selectively applied to the lamps. A circuit may disable illumination after about ten minutes of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: M. Wade Clayton, Jimmy E. Brown, John Carter McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20150147712
    Abstract: The invention comprises a dental tool. The dental tool comprises a hollow tool body having a light source disposed in one end thereof. The dental tool also comprises a hollow tube disposed within the hollow tool body, the hollow tube having a first end disposed adjacent the light source and an opposite second end connectable to a source of pressurized air. The dental tool further comprises at least one vent hole formed in the hollow tool body distal from the light source such that air emitted from the first end of the hollow tube absorbs heat from the light source and the heated air is discharged from the hollow tool body through the vent hole. A method of using the dental tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20150147714
    Abstract: A position monitoring system comprises a single composite fiducial reference comprised of a fiducial key and a fiducial extension rigidly and removably attached to the fiducial key, a tracker for obtaining image information of the surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database. The computer has scan data of an area of a surgical patient with the fiducial reference fixed to the area by a multipodal surgical screw fixture. A uniquely identifiable first marker is attached to the fiducial key in a predetermined fixed relative position and orientation. The computer determines the relative position and orientation of the marker based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays the current position and orientation of the composite fiducial reference to the scan data during a surgical procedure. Further implements at the surgical site may bear further markers that may be tracked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Navigate Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud (Udi) Daon
  • Patent number: 9039412
    Abstract: A dental illumination apparatus includes a lamp system mounted on a support structure. The lamp system includes a light source. A control system is provided for controlling the activation of the lamp system. A light guide shields soft tissues local to teeth of a subject from effects of ultraviolet radiation. The light guide includes a lamp attachment formation coupled to the lamp system, and a recording device in communication with the control system, the recording device including memory which stores the amount of time that the light source has been on since the beginning of a treatment procedure. A lip retractor, coupled to the light guide, is adapted to receive the lips of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Discus Dental, LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Rose, Robert Hayman, Stuart Karten, Dennis Schroeder, Steve Piorek, Douglas H. Grambush, Marc Orloff, Nancy N. Quan, Younes Shabany, William Dorfman, Kenneth Rosenblood, Dac Vu, Curt Kenneth Deckert, Brian Kennedy, Christopher N. Quan
  • Publication number: 20150140502
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Peter BRAWN, Ryan BREDIN, Timothy G. SHAUGHNESSY, Kevin STRANGE, Paul MATHEWS, Robert MARSANYI
  • Publication number: 20150140504
    Abstract: In dentistry very often soft tissue has to be cut. It has become customary to cut soft tissue, in particular gum or gingiva, or to disinfect pockets in the gingiva that exist at the neck of teeth with the help of laser light. The same applies to a disinfection of the channel in the root of teeth (endodontic treatment). Prior art concepts of cutting soft tissue rely on the use of red or infrared diode lasers and lead to an excessive heating the tissue and damaging of surrounding tissue. We suggest a device for treatment comprising a laser diode with a wavelength of 445±15 nm, in particular 445±10 nm, for providing the laser light. The use of e.g. 445 nm for cutting soft tissues has numerous advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ralf SUTTER, Bernd Oehme, Thomas Jerger, Francesco Zanata
  • Publication number: 20150140505
    Abstract: A computer-aided positioning and navigation system for dental implant includes a computer system having built therein a dental implant planning software and providing a 3D digital human tissues model to create an implant navigation information, a positioning assistive device including a body providing a positioning portion and a guide portion and a connection member carrying an optical positioning device, one or multiple optical capture devices, and a display device electrically connected to the computer system. The computer system controls the optical capture device to capture images and drives the display device to display a part of the content of the 3D digital human tissues model and the implant navigation information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Hong-Tzong YAU, Yen-Kun LIN
  • Publication number: 20150132709
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tooth whitening apparatus including: a mouthpiece to which a gel for applying hydrogen peroxide is applied; a lamp unit disposed at an inner tip of a grip case to whiten teeth by using light; a secondary battery disposed on a lower side of a PCB control board inside the grip case; a vibration device disposed at an upper side of the grip case to be operated by an on-off switch; and a USB port charging unit disposed at a rear side of the grip case to charge the secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Chang Man Park, Sungwon Yi, Junoh Kim, Chan Ki Lee, Chanho Kim, Youngeun Sung, Sangkyun Chae, Yu-jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9028251
    Abstract: A dental instrument, or a coupling connectable to the dental instrument, comprises an illuminator having a plurality of light emitting diodes that are each capable of emitting light at a selected wavelength in a range 260 to 880 nm. White or near white light emitting diodes may also be included together with a switch. Fluorescence-based diagnosis can be assisted by the use of a single dye or mixture of dyes. Light of about 400-540 nm wavelength may be used to distinguish composite, porcelain or other tooth coloured filling materials from normal tooth structures. Light of about 260-450 nm wavelength may be used to identify dental caries, calculus and/or dental plaque. Light of about 350-500 nm wavelength may be used to cure dental composite. Typically, the dental instrument is, or comprises, a drill, de-scaler, or other instruments such as for cleaning, examination or diagnosis of dental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Topstore Pty Ltd, LJ Walsh Dental Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Laurence J. Walsh, Michael Nicholas Mandikos
  • Publication number: 20150125809
    Abstract: A medical or dental handpiece comprises a lighting device for the emission of radiation, in particular of visible light, onto a treatment site, a temperature sensor preferably located in the interior of the handpiece, and at least one shared electrical signal line provided in the handpiece for the lighting device and the temperature sensor. The lighting device and the temperature sensor are both operatively connected to the at least one shared electrical signal line. A medical or dental treatment device comprises such a handpiece and a control and/or regulation device electrically connected to the at least one shared electrical signal line provided in the handpiece, which is designed to emit a first electrical signal assigned to the lighting device and a second electrical signal assigned to the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pruckner, Michael Mangelberger
  • Publication number: 20150118637
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable noninvasive inspection device, which comprises a light source illuminates an target to generate an optical inspection signal; a probe head provides an optical path for said light source to receive said optical inspection signal; at least one switched filter module arranged in the optical path, allowing the optical inspection signal to pass therethrough to generate a corresponding spectral signal; and an image sensor arranged behind the switched filter module, receiving the spectral signal and generating a spectral image. The spectral image can be transmitted to an external device, wherefrom the user can use the spectral image to examine the target in further detail. The present invention features a rotary-type or movable-type switched filter module, which facilitates the user to switch filters easily during optical inspection and expands the application of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: MANG OU-YANG, TING-WEI HUANG, CHIN-SIANG YANG, YAO-FANG HSIEH, SING-TSUNG LI, JIN-CHERN CHIOU, MING-HSUI TSAI, JENG-REN DUANN, YUNG-JIUN LIN, SHUEN-DE WU
  • Publication number: 20150118638
    Abstract: An intraoral apparatus and method of using the same. The apparatus includes a tray for positioning within an oral cavity of an individual to receive a dental arch of the individual. Data acquisition elements coupled to the tray are for acquiring data usable for generating images of intraoral features including the dental arch, a palate, a facial sulcus, and a lingual sulcus of the individual. The images are combinable for determining a sulcus depth of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: George Cowburn
  • Patent number: 9020228
    Abstract: A method for identifying tooth regions. The method includes generating a first threshold image from a first tooth image by selecting intensity data values higher than a first predetermined threshold value c1; generating a second threshold image from a second tooth image by selecting intensity data values higher than a second predetermined threshold value c2; generating a preliminary tooth regions image that defines at least a first tooth region from the intersection of the first and second threshold images; generating a reference binary image from the first image by selecting intensity data values higher than a third predetermined threshold value c3, wherein threshold value c3 exceeds c1; and generating a refined tooth regions image from at least the first tooth region in the preliminary tooth regions image. The first tooth region is connected to objects in the reference binary image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiayong Yan, Wei Wang, Liangliang Pan, Victor C. Wong
  • Publication number: 20150104754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: John T. Amber, Stephan S. Porter, Theodore M. Powell
  • Patent number: 8998616
    Abstract: Laser ablation is used in curettage to treat periodontal disease. After an initial step of ablating afflicted tissues, an anti-microbial rinse is applied. A flexible fiber optic guide is the preferred means of directing radiant energy to the afflicted tissues. Sulcular disinfection may also be achieved by similar associated processes. Various anti-microbial agents and laser sources are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Densen Cao, Steven Jensen
  • Patent number: 9000332
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating an endodontic instrument by infrared radiation includes a housing defining a chamber. An infrared heating element is positioned within the chamber. The housing includes an aperture and an adjacent holder for holding the endodontic instrument, such as an obturator. The endodontic instrument held by the holder extends through the aperture and into the chamber. The infrared heating element directs infrared radiation toward the endodontic instrument, which heats the endodontic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Erik Brown
  • Patent number: 8998609
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for imaging an oral cavity of a subject include a bracket comprising a mouthpiece and a camera mount. The mouthpiece has upper and lower bite guides disposed on a posterior side and separated by an opening through the mouthpiece. The bite guides are spaced apart so a subject biting on the guides opens the oral cavity to inspection through the opening. The mount is disposed on an anterior side of the mouthpiece; and has a flange to engage and slide along the opening and an optical path for light to pass through the mount and mouthpiece. A clip on an anterior side of the mount is configured to removeably hold a camera to record light passing through the optical path from the posterior side of the mount. In one embodiment, the camera is a programmable cell phone with digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Jr. University
    Inventors: Manu Prakash, Dhruv Boddupalli, James Clements, Aditya Gande
  • Patent number: 8992216
    Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting interproximal tooth defects such as caries by injecting light at one or more wavelengths into a tooth and detecting reflected/diffracted light or emitted fluorescence. The detected light intensity is characteristic of a healthy or diseased tooth in the interproximal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dentsply Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Naim Karazivan
  • Publication number: 20150086939
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dental restoration for a patient, where the method includes: obtaining a 3D scan of at least a restoration site of the patient's mouth, where the manufactured dental restoration is adapted for fitting to the restoration site; obtaining a CAD design of the dental restoration; milling the restoration from a material, where the restoration is milled both on an inside surface configured for fitting to the shape of the restoration site of the patient's mouth and on an outside surface, where the milling is according to the obtained CAD design; transferring the milled restoration to a retention means providing a fixed known position of the restoration relative to a post-processing machinery, where the restoration is retained on the inside surface, such that the outside surface of the restoration is approachable/free/accessible; and performing post-processing of the outside surface of the restoration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Rune Fisker, Sven Nonboe, David Fischer
  • Publication number: 20150086938
    Abstract: A photopolymerization apparatus comprising a charging station and a hand-guidable photopolymerization device, wherein the photopolymerization device comprises at least one reservoir for electrical power and at least one attachment having at least one charging contact, wherein at least one of (i) the at least one attachment is securable to the charging station and (ii) the at least one attachment is securable to the photopolymerization device, wherein the attachment provides at least one electrically conductive connection by means of which the at least one reservoir is rechargeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Schmid
  • Patent number: 8984699
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements for ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably pre-formed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Bruce M. Russell, James H. Kemp
  • Publication number: 20150079535
    Abstract: A 3D scanner for recording topographic characteristics of a surface of at least part of a body orifice, where the 3D scanner includes a main body having a mounting portion; a tip which can be mounted onto and un-mounted from the mounting portion, where the tip is configured for being brought into proximity of the body orifice surface when recording the topographic characteristics such that at least one optical element of the tip is at least partly exposed to the environment in the body orifice during the recording; and a heater for heating the optical element, where the heat is provided by way of thermal conduction; where the tip can be sterilized in a steam autoclave when un-mounted from the main body of the 3D scanner such that it subsequently can be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: 3Shape A/S
    Inventors: Karl-Josef HOLLENBECK, Bo Petersen, Mike van der POEL, Thomas Moon, Stefan Elmsted Jensen
  • Publication number: 20150079534
    Abstract: There is provided an intraoral teeth image taking apparatus capable of simultaneously taking from a plurality of directions a group of high-precision images for calculation of high-precision three-dimensional data required, for example, when artificial teeth are made. The intraoral teeth image taking apparatus includes an image taking tray part 101 having a plurality of image taking devices 121 capable of simultaneously taking a plurality of images of a row of teeth in an oral cavity from a plurality of directions, and a plurality of projection devices 151 capable of projecting a plurality of patterns. The image taking tray part is formed in a U-shape in conformity with the shape of the row of teeth and the cross-sectional shape of the tray is concave such as to be capable of being put on a distal end portion of the row of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Media Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Tsuji, Kazufumi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150079536
    Abstract: An extra-oral light therapy device comprises a support that registers against features of a patient's head. A light source is mounted to the support. The light source may comprise an array of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). A controller controls the extra-oral light therapy device. The support may comprise a tray fitted to the patient's teeth or a head-set fitted to the patient's ears and the bridge of the patient's nose. An external light therapy device has a thin, molded substrate, at least one array of light emitters mounted onto the thin, molded substrate, an attaching means for removably attaching the device to an area of treatment, and a controller for controlling the external light therapy device. Methods for supporting light sources adjacent desired treatment locations and for treating jaw bone disorders and jaw osteonecrosis and biostimulating bone and soft tissue are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Peter BRAWN
  • Patent number: 8979535
    Abstract: A method for infiltration and/or sealing of hard tooth tissue and for detection of caries in the infiltrated region or under the seal by means of fluorescence, is described. The method includes applying a composition comprising a filler system consisting of or comprising inorganic filler particles surface-modified by means of organic structural elements, wherein the organic structural elements can be reacted with an organic binder system to form covalent bonds, wherein the filler particles of the composition have an average particle size in the range between 1 nm and 150 nm, and an organic binder system comprising one or more polymerizable monomers, wherein the filler system is dispersed in the organic binder system (b). The infiltrated or sealed surface of the hard tooth tissue is then irradiated with excitation radiation which causes emission of fluorescence radiation. The fluorescence radiation data is recorded and used to detect curies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: VOCO GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Thomas Plaumann, Reinhard Maletz, Manfred Stepputtis, Andree Barg, Tobias Bloemker
  • Patent number: 8982200
    Abstract: An intraoral camera including a main body case, an intraoral insertion component mounted on the front side of the main body case, an imaging window provided to the intraoral insertion component, and an imaging device that is optically linked to the imaging window and is disposed inside the main body case or inside the intraoral insertion component. Illumination elements are disposed at portions of an outer peripheral wall face that are substantially opposite each other in the horizontal direction. These illumination elements are inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window, and the outer peripheral wall face that is substantially opposite these illumination elements in the vertical direction is constituted as a light collecting face that is inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kitaoka, Toshiaki Ueta, Yoshiki Ishikawa, Mitsuhiro Iwata
  • Publication number: 20150072302
    Abstract: A dental bleaching agent and a dental bleaching method by which the shortcomings associated with the conventional techniques are overcome, and a better teeth whitening result is accomplished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: JASIBO, LLC.
    Inventor: Jennifer JABLOW
  • Publication number: 20150064645
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, methods and kits for accelerating the rate of whitening of teeth using an oxidizing agent, a photocatalytic agent, and a portable lightsource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer Jablow, Michael Mark Muehlemann
  • Publication number: 20150064643
    Abstract: A visualization apparatus and a system for enhancing hand-eye coordination during a medical procedure are provided. The visualization apparatus includes an elongate support member, a head member, an operating head element, and a processor. The head member connected to the elongate support member at a predetermined angle includes an angled wall for mounting a reflector. The operating head element connected to an upper end of the head member mounts and supports an objective lens. The objective lens focuses light from an operating field to a reflector to create an image of the operating field. An eyepiece lens accommodated in the elongate support member or the head member magnifies the created image. The processor operatively communicating with an image receiver processes and transmits the magnified image to a viewer. The orientation of the magnified image on the viewer is similar to the orientation of the operating field, thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hankookin, LLC
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Publication number: 20150064644
    Abstract: The invention could be a method of operating a scanning dental combination comprising the following steps, providing a prosthesis device having an artificial base supporting one or more artificial teeth; providing a radiopaque dental impression material that can form a physical impression of a portion of a mouth of patient, the portion of a mouth of patient being used to support the dental prosthesis device; using the radiopaque dental impression material to make an impression of the portion of the mouth of the patient; forming a combination of the radiographic dental impression material and dental prosthesis device; and scanning the combination with a radiographic scanning machine to create at least one digital file of a radiographic-based image of the combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael David Scherer
  • Publication number: 20150064641
    Abstract: Indirect bonding trays and methods for making and using the same may include an indirect bonding tray which is created by use of a three-dimensional printer or similar functioning device. The indirect bonding trays may include flex hinges or tear-away areas for facilitating removal from a set of teeth. The method of making the indirect bonding tray may include obtaining a digital representation of the teeth; placing one or more digital brackets on the teeth and printing or otherwise forming an indirect bonding tray based on the digital representational of the teeth and digital brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Steven N. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8971999
    Abstract: An intra-oral scanner includes an optical output unit; an optical output control unit to rotate the optical output unit along a first reference axis or moves the optical output unit so as to control an emission position of the output light; an optical system to reflect the output light with the emission position controlled by the optical output control unit to a tooth or teeth being scanned; an optical system driving unit to rotate the optical system along a second reference axis so as to control a reflection angle of the output light; a guide; an optical sensing unit to sense the light reflected by the optical system and convert the sensed light into an electrical signal; and a data transmitting unit to transmit information to a three-dimensional data generating unit to generate a three-dimensional scanning model for the tooth or teeth being scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jin Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20150056568
    Abstract: Methods and devices for Live Biofilm Targeted Thermolysis (LBTT) are disclosed. The disclosed LBTT methods can be used for thermolysis and coagulation of the live periodontal Biofilm with incandescent light and a targeting agent as heat sink. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the incandescent light generated through the secondary quantum optical and thermal emissions from a carbonized near infrared diode laser delivery fiber, otherwise known as a “hot tip,” to an application region that includes live biofilm. With this novel targeted approach of exploiting the incandescent hot tip's radiant energy (i.e. its optical and thermal emissions), the physical nature of the targeted live biofilm in the periodontal pocket is changed from a mucinous liquid-gel, to a semi-solid coagulum, which then facilitates its removal from the effected pocket, with traditional mechanical SRP periodontal techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eric BORNSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20150056567
    Abstract: A device and method of using a device for photon-induced endodontic and periodontic applications includes a power source, a trigger coupled to the power source and circuit elements initiated by the trigger. The circuit elements include a timing circuit and a driver. A light source is coupled to the circuitry elements wherein and driver controls the period, cycle, and pulse generation of the light source to create photon induced acoustic waves. The optical assembly includes a fiber optic cable and an output tip and is coupled to the light source. This optical assembly refracts light from the light source and photon induced acoustic waves exit the output tip in a pre-determined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: AMERICAN EAGLE INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gilbert Fregoso, Brad B. Heckerman
  • Publication number: 20150050613
    Abstract: A dental syringe tip system for attachment to a dental syringe. The dental syringe tip system can include components such as an outer core, an inner core, and a carrier which can be combined in a multitude of combinations to achieve different fluid flow characteristics, such as discharge pressure and discharge pattern, through the dental syringe tip. The outer core and inner core can have passages designed to modify fluid flow characteristics. In addition, the outer core and inner core can have additional connectors for receiving fluids from sources other than a dental syringe. Some or all of the components can be separate to be assembled by a manufacturer or an end-user. Assembly of multiple components can be facilitated by retention features located on the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Donovan Winston Berkely
  • Patent number: 8956156
    Abstract: A device includes: a cylindrical first main body having a bottom surface, an inner side surface, and an outer side surface, the first main body having at least one electromagnetic wave irradiation port and at least one antiseptic discharge port, the at least one electromagnetic wave irradiation port being provided in the inner side surface of the first main body, the at least one antiseptic discharge port being provided in the bottom surface and/or the inner side surface of the first main body; an electromagnetic wave generation source; and an antiseptic supply source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: A-Z Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Kanno, Keisuke Nakamura, Yoshimi Niwano, Minoru Kanno
  • Patent number: 8951187
    Abstract: An intraoral imaging system includes a receiving module that communicates with an imaging display device. The imaging device includes handle having a transmitter module and a power source as well as neck and head portions that extend from the handle. The device includes a camera module that rotates in the distal and proximal direction to view and process still images and video. The camera module includes a movable image sensor to provide focus capability. The imaging device further includes a control assembly having a plurality of control members. The control assembly includes image capture controls that an operator engages in a lateral motion to capture images or video. A focus control member controls the spatial relationship between the image sensor and the stationary lens and an articulation control member to articulate the camera module to provide a greater range of imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Top Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David Ryan Anderson, Daniel Joseph McCarthy, Caitlin Elizabeth McCarthy, Alexander Munro, Raime Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150037751
    Abstract: Provided is an image acquisition device for dental handpiece capable of acquiring a clear image even though cooling water is supplied. An image acquisition device (11) detachable to a dental handpiece body (1), the device including a light inlet part having a light acquisition port capable of acquiring light, a holding member (14, 15) holding the light inlet part to the dental handpiece body, wherein the light acquisition port can be held to the dental handpiece body by means of the holding member in such a manner that it can be shifted to a side which is away from an instrument than a plane of an instrument-mounting surface of a head (2) of the dental handpiece body and in a region outside of an outer peripheral surface of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Motoyama
  • Publication number: 20150037750
    Abstract: Systems for generating in-focus color images are provided. Related methods and devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Yosi Moalem
  • Patent number: 8948482
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable media, and systems for motion compensation in a three dimensional scan. Motion compensation can include receiving three-dimensional (3D) scans of a dentition, estimating a motion trajectory from one scan to another, and calculating a corrected scan by compensating for the motion trajectory. Estimating the motion trajectory can include one or more of: registering a scan to another scan and determining whether an amount of movement between the scans is within a registration threshold; determining an optical flow based on local motion between consecutive two-dimensional (2D) images taken during the scan, estimating and improving a motion trajectory of a point in the scan using the optical flow; and estimating an amount of motion of a 3D scanner during the scan as a rigid body transformation based on input from a position tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Adi Levin
  • Patent number: 8944813
    Abstract: The oral health appliance (10) includes a source of light (16) having a wavelength which is suitable for determination of oral health conditions, as well as treatment thereof. An assembly (16) in the appliance directs the light to selected dental regions of the mouth. A light receiver and sensor (16) receives reflected light from the dental regions, produces signal information therefrom and delivers the signal information to a processor (20), which determines the presence of oral health conditions, as well as determining the overall coverage of the mouth during a use of the appliance. The information from the processor is then sent to a display (24), identifying the presence of any oral health conditions and the location thereof, as well as information concerning those areas of the mouth which have been investigated during the use of the appliance and those which have not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Garrett Kotlarchik
  • Publication number: 20150030989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld dental device that provides photodynamic therapy. The device of the present invention may have an elongated housing; an applicator tip extending from the distal end of the housing; wherein the applicator tip has a lumen defined by a wall; an optic fiber extending through the lumen of the applicator tip; at least one power source attached to or residing within the housing; at least one light source that provides light to the optic fiber and emits a wavelength that ranges from about 650 nm to about 1400 nm; and at least one oxygen source that provides oxygen to a passage that communicates with the oxygen source and the applicator tip. Oxygen and light may be provided at the applicator tip simultaneously. The device may be used to eliminate or reduce bacteria which cause oral disease or conditions, such as endodontic treatment failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: The Forsyth Institute
    Inventors: Nikolaos S. Soukos, Philip P. Stashenko
  • Patent number: 8940033
    Abstract: An apparatus for whitening teeth comprises a mouth tray comprising a horseshoe-shaped trough sized to accommodate a dental ridge. A planar projection extends from the outer side of the trough so that its far end is external of the mouth. A light box containing a plurality of LEDs couples with the external end of the projection and illuminates the projection end. The mouth tray and projection are formed of a light-transmissive material to irradiate a peroxide gel in the trough to whiten the user's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Whiten, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Dwyer, Kaya Bromley