Ball-and-socket Patents (Class 433/64)
  • Patent number: 11975463
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a pre-fabricated attachment for fabricating custom objects. In one embodiment, a system includes a mold and a pre-fabricated attachment. The mold includes a physical model of a dental arch of a patient and one or more first features. An orthodontic aligner is to be formed over the physical model. The pre-fabricated attachment includes one or more second features configured to removably attach to the one or more first features. The pre-fabricated attachment further includes a traceability component configured to be used to determine one or more identifiers corresponding to the mold. The pre-fabricated attachment further includes a handling component configured to be secured by a robot or person to transport the mold and pre-fabricated attachment during production of the orthodontic aligner. The pre-fabricated attachment may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: AlignTechnology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabor Lukacs, Jack Shaw, Alexey Kalinichenko, Arthur George Butz, Mehdi Mojdeh, Enrique Soltero Borrego
  • Patent number: 11966941
    Abstract: An improvement in an articulation system for use in forming a dental model which includes a ridged first leg and a second leg which is formed in the shape of a flat plate having sufficient thickness to be substantially rigid but which also allows limited torsional movement or bending about its longitudinal length as well as limited flexing about its longitudinal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: James K. Garland
  • Patent number: 11771536
    Abstract: The invention relates to an additive method for producing a dental working model for an articulator, comprising the steps: additively producing a base plate for attachment to the articulator, and additively producing a dental model, wherein the base plate and the dental model are configured to be fixed to one another in a positionally secure manner. Another object of the invention is an additively produced dental working model for an articulator, comprising an additively produced base plate configured for attachment to the articulator, and an additively produced dental model, wherein the base plate and the dental model are configured to be fixed to one another in a positionally secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: INSTITUT STRAUMANN AG
    Inventors: Maximilian Hoyer, Andreas Kunert, Sergej Harsch
  • Patent number: 11726016
    Abstract: A bionic oral cavity structure for testing and application thereof are provided for solving a technical problem that actual test process of the conventional bionic oral cavity structure needs to be improved. The bionic oral cavity structure for testing includes: an upper jaw, a lower jaw, a drive unit, a sensor and a controller, wherein a gum is made of a soft elastic material, and a base of the gum has a through-hole; a cap is formed by extending upward from a top opening of the through-hole; the tooth comprises a molar made of a hard material, and an implant; a top end of the implant passes through the through-hole of the gum and then extends into the cap; the gum and the implant are detachably mounted on the mounting plate; the sensor is a flexible sensor which covers the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinghu Yu, Shu Cao, Shanhua Qian, Yi Cao, Xingyu Zhou, Hao Yu
  • Patent number: 9844428
    Abstract: A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rami Boltanski, Nir Makmel, Avi Kopelman
  • Publication number: 20140234797
    Abstract: A dental articulator apparatus and method of forming dental casts utilizing a dental articulator having pivotally connected upper and lower arms that each have a ball socket which receives a ball at the outer end of a respective model anchor, the opposed end of which is cast into a dental model. The model anchor ball is adjustably secured in the ball socket of the articulator arms by a set screw coupled with a rotatable magnetic extension rod that are installed, removed, advanced, and retracted as a unit and allow relative rotation between the set screw and the extension rod to facilitate fitting and positioning the ball in the socket when the set screw is loosened, and eliminate manually installing and positioning separate small shims and plungers that can be accidentally dropped and lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Jean J. Elnajjar
  • Publication number: 20140017627
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for an articulator includes a base and at least an adjusting structure. The base is provided for positioning an articulator, and the adjusting structure is disposed on the base. The adjusting structure includes a first ball joint, a second ball joint and a connecting assembly. The first ball joint is connected to the base, and the two ends of the connecting assembly are connected to the first ball joint and the second ball joint, respectively. The adjusting structure is moved relatively to the articulator by the movement of at least one of the first ball joint and the second ball joint, thereby adjusting the position of a dental cast disposed on the articulator. The auxiliary device is advantageous for conveniently adjusting the dental cast disposed on the articulator and accelerating the process of the preoperative planning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jing-Jing FANG, Tung-Yiu WONG, Tung-Chin WU, Tai-Hong KUO, Chun-Ju TSENG
  • Patent number: 8398395
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a dental articulator, the accessory including a dental model holder, adapted and configured to hold a dental model, and a mounting assembly for removably affixing said dental model holder to a conventional dental model articulator. In some embodiments, the dental model holder includes a model support, a rear stop member perpendicular to the model support, and a model engaging member mounted in the model support and arranged to engage a dental model and urge it towards the stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Y. T. Dental Solutions Ltd
    Inventor: Itzhak Tenenbaum
  • Patent number: 8382686
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in dentistry to obtain positional data related to movement of a mandible about a maxilla comprises a rigid support frame for supporting a maxilla support member, a positionable mandibular member and sensing assemblies. The support member fixedly attaches to the support frame. The mandibular member is positionable proximate the maxilla member. The sensing assemblies attach to the support frame and connect to the mandibular member to obtain positional data related to the movement of the mandibular member. The positional data is collected by a computing device and stored in a data storage medium as time history files. The files can then be transformed into usable information to replicate the mandibular movement in real time either virtually or mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Gnath Tech Dental Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Yevsey Gutman, John Joseph Keller
  • Patent number: 7837470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulator capable of completely and faithfully reproducing movements of a mandibular cast and maxillary cast. The articulator introduces a suspended mandibular member, the mandible being similar to that of in human beings. The mandible is suspended from the condyles in the glenoid fossa of the tempero mandibular joint. The articulator and the mandibular member are suspended between the maxillary member and the base representing the feet or base in a human. The articulator has a mechanism for anterior incisal guidance by providing incisal pins attached to the mandibular member. The incisal pin attached to the mandibular member creates the anterior guidance on an incisal table resting on the base. The articulator creates the possibility of the condyle executing pure rotary movement in the centric position until a vertical opening between the upper and lower jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Anil Sudhakar Ragade
  • Patent number: 7534105
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an occludator whereby joint movements at occlusion being similar to the actual tempromandibular joint movements of an individual patient or ideal movements can be reproduced, and a face bow to be used for the occludator. To achieve this object, an occlusion plane against a standard plane is accurately drawn by using the above face bow F whereby the occlusion plane can be drawn at a high accuracy. A solid model of the tempromandibular joint similar to the tempromandibular joint form of an actual patient is used as the joint unit of the occludator K, while the positional relationship in the body at occlusion is three-dimensionally reproduced in the occludator I with the use of the above-described face bow F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Nihon University
    Inventors: Yoshinori Arai, Yutaka Akiyama, Toru Ishizuka, Hitoshi Tsunashima, Ayuta Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080050694
    Abstract: A dental articulator system including a device and method of forming dental casts. The dental articulator has adjustable ball and socket joints, which are secured in place with a hand tightenable screw. Tightening the screw applies force through a plunger to the ball, impinging the ball against the inner wall of the socket of the ball and socket joint. The device does not require any glue; thus the dental articulator is easily adjusted and reusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: JEAN JOSEPH ELNAJJAR
  • Patent number: 7273372
    Abstract: A dental articulator includes a lower jaw member, two pillars each extending vertically upwardly from the lower jaw member. The pillars each carry a ball, which correspond to a human mandibular condyle. The articulator further includes an upper jaw member disposed over the lower jaw member and carrying housings each provided on either side of a rear portion of said upper jaw member. Each of the balls is received in one of the housings so that the upper jaw member is vertically pivotable about the balls. Each housing includes a top wall coupled to the upper jaw member so as to be vertically movable relative to the upper jaw member while kept in contact with one of the balls and configured to be fixed to the upper jaw member at any position, and a rear wall coupled to the upper jaw member so as to be movable back and forth while kept in contact with one of the balls and configured to be fixed to the upper jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Kenji Suwa
  • Patent number: 7229284
    Abstract: A dental articulator capable of finely adjusting a three-dimensional articulation posture and exerting a secure fastening force by a lever is provided. The dental articulator includes a lower grip plate, a column, an arm, and an upper grip plate, wherein a first ball and a second ball are disposed between the arm and the upper grip plate, and wherein the dental articulator further comprises: a first clamp block having spherical recesses contacting with the first and second balls; a second clamp block having spherical recesses contacting with the first and second balls; a lever disposed on an outer surface of the second clamp block; an engaging bolt passing through the lever and the second clamp block into the first clamp block; and fastening bolts engaged into the lever to shorten a distance between the first and second clamp blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Alphadent Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Soo Uhm
  • Patent number: 7210932
    Abstract: A dental prostheses modeling system includes a tray having in an upper part thereof a trough for receiving a semi-liquid modeling material or casting material such as plaster of Paris or die stone, the trough having opposed vertical walls in which are formed alternating vertically disposed ribs and grooves for forming complementary shapes in sides of a casting molded in said tray, a base portion of which has in outer walls thereof alternating vertically disposed grooves and ribs, the trough having a frangible base plate which overlies an upwardly concave cavity for receiving liquid die stone after the upper casting has solidified, hardened and been removed, the base plate being broken and removed to uncover an elongated aperture joining the upper trough to the lower cavity enabling the cast to be ejected from the tray, pins fitted into selected portions of the casting base, the casting reinserted into the trough, and the tray inverted to receive liquid die stone which hardens to form a stone base matrix for i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jerry P. Honstein, Richard Barnes, Anthony Siragusa
  • Patent number: 7112061
    Abstract: A dental articulator for connecting first and second dental models generally includes upper and lower arms hinging at their rear ends by a hinge. Each arm front end is connected by a coupling to a dental model. Each coupling generally includes a ball, a coupling, a rear socket and a fastener joining the coupling and rear socket such that the socket is movable rotationally, up and down, and side to side on the ball to a selected position. The hinge also provides for movements of the arms mimicking those of a human jaw. The lower arm means for adjusting the height of the hinge. Upper and lower dental models each include a holder of an incisor spacing assembly co-cast into the base. The holders hold an incisor pin for adjusting the vertical spacing between the fronts of the dental models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Lars Callne
  • Patent number: 7059851
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental model articulator to connect the upper and the lower dental model casts. A mounting member is respectively mounted on each upper and lower cast, and a pair of elastic connecting members are connected to the mounting members. A vertical bar of the elastic connecting member has an S-type serpentine portion. The cast can smoothly move to the front, rear, left and right side by the S-type serpentine portion. A fastening member connects and disconnects the elastic connecting member and the mounting member by fastening a socket of the mounting member. A pivot member connects each elastic connecting member enabling to be pivoted. Whereby, the connecting ball of the elastic connecting member and the socket of the mounting member are connected by the fastening member, therefore the connecting ball can be connected to and disconnected from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Dae-Woong Kim
  • Publication number: 20040175672
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental model articulator to connect the upper and the lower dental model casts. A mounting member is respectively mounted on each upper and lower cast, and a pair of elastic connecting members are connected to the mounting members. A vertical bar of the elastic connecting member has an S-type serpentine portion. The cast can smoothly move to the front, rear, left and right side by the S-type serpentine portion. A fastening member connects and disconnects the elastic connecting member and the mounting member by fastening a socket of the mounting member. A pivot member connects each elastic connecting member enabling to be pivoted. Whereby, the connecting ball of the elastic connecting member and the socket of the mounting member are connected by the fastening member, therefore the connecting ball can be connected to and disconnected from the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dae-Woong Kim
  • Patent number: 6780011
    Abstract: The invention is a dental articulator with an extended range of motion of the maxilla relative to the mandible The articulator includes a base and a mandibular assembly extending horizontally from that base. A mandibular plate is provided with a supporting structure, which is aligned with corresponding cavities in the mandibular base cast for easy removal and attachment. A base is further equipped with a vertical post slidingly positioned on a vertical shaft of that base. A maxillary assembly is retained on that post via a ball-and-socket arrangement and further via a horizontal shaft positioned in two semi-opened sockets and retained by a spring-biased pin. The maxillary assembly contains a plate supporting a removable base cast in a manner similar to that of the mandibular assembly. The articulator saves time and allows for easy positioning of the maxilla and mandible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Evgeny Davidov, Vyacheslav Iskhakbayev
  • Patent number: 6705864
    Abstract: A dental model articulator includes two hinge-jointed arms, each arm having segments connected to a hinge joint having mating elements, one integral to each segment of an arm. One element includes two cymbals that are coaxial on a major hinge axis and concave facing which resiliently capture between them a node of the mating element on the other segment which has the form of opposed, outwardly facing convexities. Multiaxial motion between the segments of each arm is accomodated by the rotation of the convexities of the node within detents at the apices of the cymbals. The extremities of each arm terminate in cylindrical rod-like elements that are parallel to the major hinge axis. The rods engage with transverse, cylindrical channels either cut-in, molded-in or affixed to the models. With the models positioned in centric occlusal relationship and the arms adjacently positioned and engaged, the four rods are adhesively fixed in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin T. Van Valey
  • Publication number: 20040043354
    Abstract: A dental articulator apparatus has an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member and the upper jaw member pivotally mount to the lower jaw member. Both upper and lower jaw members have a male projection part and a disposable-mounting arm for each member. The disposable-mounting arm is formed with a female receiving aperture sized to releasably mount within either of the male projection part of the upper and lower jaw members. Each male projection part has positional stops means engaging with recesses on the female receiving aperture for insuring that the disposable-mounting arms are always accurately located in the same unchanging position on the upper and lower jaw members. The disposable-mounting arms have different designs to accommodate different mediums for mounting the dental models to the disposable-mounting arms. The disposable-mounting arm with an oval-shaped bar design is for using plaster of paris. The disposable-mounting arm with a ball-shaped design is for using adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Hsien-Tzu Chou
  • Publication number: 20030180683
    Abstract: The invention is a dental articulator with an extended range of motion of the maxilla relative to the mandible. The articulator includes a base and a mandibular assembly extending horizontally from that base. A mandibular plate is provided with a supporting structure, which is aligned with corresponding cavities in the mandibular base cast for easy removal and attachment. A base is further equipped with a vertical post slidingly positioned on a vertical shaft of that base. A maxillary assembly is retained on that post via a ball-and-socket arrangement and further via a horizontal shaft positioned in two semi-opened sockets and retained by a spring-biased pin. The maxillary assembly contains a plate supporting a removable base cast in a manner similar to that of the mandibular assembly. The articulator saves time and allows for easy positioning of the maxilla and mandible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Evgeny Davidov, Vyacheslav Iskhakbayev
  • Publication number: 20030036032
    Abstract: An articulator for positioning a pair of dental casts relative to each other, the articulator comprising a pair of members adapted to being connected to each other for pivotal movement relative to each other, each member comprising a central portion having a ball connected to the central portion by a spline, the ball being expandable for securing the ball within a mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Terry L. Jackson, Nicholas R. Pacino
  • Patent number: 6511318
    Abstract: A dental modeling system includes a pair of supports for opposing dental casts which are articulated together by a pair of pivotally connected articulator arms. The support may include a plurality of integral registration pins extending from a top surface thereof which provide superior registration of a dental casts located thereon. The support may be directly attached to the articulator arm, or may be attached via a ball-and-socket joint, which, once located in the proper position, is glued in place. The articulator arm permits the castings to move toward and away from one another, and permits the replication of centric, excursive, and protrusive movements of the jaw. An alternative support for a dental cast includes a back member and a bottom member oriented at approximately 90° with respect to one another to form an L-shaped main body, onto which a dental cast may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nu-Tek Dental, LLC
    Inventor: Yunsoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6508646
    Abstract: A mounting for being mounted to a dental cast and for receiving a ball portion of an articulator, the mounting comprising a tongue portion connected to a wall portion, the tongue portion adapted to being mounted to a dental cast, a cup portion being formed by a side connected to the wall portion, an opening formed in the side, and a fastening device for insertion through the opening for engagement with a ball portion of an articulator for securing a ball portion in place relative to the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: J & P Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Pacino, Jr., Terry L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030008261
    Abstract: A dental model articulator includes two hinge-jointed arms, each arm having segments connected to a hinge joint having mating elements, one integral to each segment of an arm. One element includes two cymbals that are coaxial on a major hinge axis and concave facing which resiliently capture between them a node of the mating element on the other segment which has the form of opposed, outwardly facing convexities. Multiaxial motion between the segments of each arm is accomodated by the rotation of the convexities of the node within detents at the apices of the cymbals. The extremities of each arm terminate in cylindrical rod-like elements that are parallel to the major hinge axis. The rods engage with transverse, cylindrical channels either cut-in, molded-in or affixed to the models. With the models positioned in centric occlusal relationship and the arms adjacently positioned and engaged, the four rods are adhesively fixed in the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Edwin T. Van Valey
  • Patent number: 6499999
    Abstract: A dental model articulator includes two hinge-jointed arms, each arm having segments connected to a hinge joint having mating elements, one integral to each segment of an arm. One element includes two cymbals that are coaxial on a major hinge axis and concave facing which resiliently capture between them a node of the mating element on the other segment which has the form of opposed, outwardly facing convexities. Multiaxial motion between the segments of each arm is accomodated by the rotation of the convexities of the node within detents at the apices of the cymbals. The extremities of each arm terminate in cylindrical rod-like elements that are parallel to the major hinge axis. The rods engage with transverse, cylindrical channels either cut-in, molded-in or affixed to the models. With the models positioned in centric occlusal relationship and the arms adjacently positioned and engaged, the four rods are adhesively fixed in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Edwin T. Van Valey
  • Patent number: 6485302
    Abstract: A dental modeling system includes a pair of supports for opposing dental casts which are articulated together by a pair of pivotally connected articulator arms. The support may include a plurality of integral registration pins extending from a top surface and a plurality of holes located in the top surface, which provide superior registration of a dental casts located thereon. The support may be directly attached to the articulator arm, or may be attached via a ball-and-socket joint, which, once located in the proper position, is glued in place. The articulator arm permits the castings to move toward and away from one another, and permits the replication of centric, excursive, and protrusive movements of the jaw. An alternative support for a dental cast includes a back member and a bottom member oriented at approximately 90° with respect to one another to form an L-shaped main body, onto which a dental cast may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nu-tek Dental, LLC
    Inventor: Yunsoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20020146661
    Abstract: A mounting for being mounted to a dental cast and for receiving a ball portion of an articulator, the mounting comprising a tongue portion connected to a wall portion, the tongue portion adapted to being mounted to a dental cast, a cup portion being formed by a side connected to the wall portion, an opening formed in the side, and a fastening device for insertion through the opening for engagement with a ball portion of an articulator for securing a ball portion in place relative to the mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Pacino, Terry L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6450809
    Abstract: An improved ball-and-socket joint for use with dental model articulators of a vertex type comprising two brackets hinged together at one end and each connected at the other end by a ball-and-socket joint to a separate one of two stone plates bearing dental castings. The ball-and-socket joints have releasable mechanical means for affixing the ball in the socket after the plates have been aligned for bite and occlusal fit between the dental castings. Affixing the ball in a socket is achieved by mechanically adjusting the diameter of one relative to the other of the socket and the ball to create a friction force that affixes the ball in the socket. In one embodiment, the mechanical means comprises a C-clamp having a concave band with a cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to the ball diameter and a gap to allow the ball to be snap-fit into the C-clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Corey B. Iverson
  • Publication number: 20020110779
    Abstract: The instant invention provides articulators and molds for use in such a system. The molds for making the models are made in such a manner that the resulting models have recesses for accepting attachment means from an articulator system. The reciprocating hinge means of the articulators attached to the stone bearing the models are then connected through interacting hinge means. A curved arm travels in a channel to allow adjustment of alignment. The arm has, at each end, a part of a hinge means for interaction with a reciprocating hinge portion on an arm attached to the model of the opposing jaw/tooth model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jose E. Walter
  • Patent number: 6402512
    Abstract: A clamp device and method for restraining a hinge joint of a model articulator to single axis vertical hinging motion is disclosed. The hinge joint comprises outwardly facing convexities restrained between elements that incorporate detents to mate with the convexities, the hinging action of the joint provided for by the rotation of the convexities while captured between the detents. The hinge joint further permits functional masticatory protrusive and lateral motions of the dental models articulated by the joint by allowing sliding motion of the convexities outside of the centric position of the detents. The clamp device placed around the joint prevents splaying of the elements of the joint, thereby limiting the functional motions of the joint thus and forcing the joint to a strictly hinging action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Edwin T. Van Valey
  • Patent number: 6394804
    Abstract: An articulator for positioning a pair of dental casts relative to each other is disclosed which comprises a pair of members adapted to being connected to each other for pivotal movement relative to each other, each member comprising a central portion having a hooked end and a forked end with the forked end having an outer tine, an inner tine and a pin connected between the tines, and a ball connected to the central portion by a spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: J&P Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Pacino, Jr., Terry L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6318999
    Abstract: A dental modeling system includes a pair of supports for opposing dental casts which are articulated together by a pair of pivotally connected articulator arms. The support may include a plurality of integral registration pins extending from a top surface and a plurality of holes located in the top surface, which provide superior registration of a dental casts located thereon. The support may be directly attached to the articulator arm, or may be attached via a ball-and-socket joint, which, once located in the proper position, is glued in place. The articulator arm permits the castings to move toward and away from one another, and permits the replication of centric, excursive, and protrusive movements of the jaw. An alternative support for a dental cast includes a back member and a bottom member oriented at approximately 90° with respect to one another to form an L-shaped main body, onto which a dental cast may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nu-Tek Dental, LLC
    Inventor: Yunsoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6318998
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost, durable dental articulator that does not require the use of toxic or messy glues. The articulator is composed of a pair of bands that encircle and are attached to the plaster upper and lower teeth bases of the model, a pair of spheres that mechanically attach to the bands at any of several positions corresponding to the rear of the mouth on the dental model, and a hinge assembly simulating movement of the jaw and made of two arcs attached to each other at their ends by a hinge mechanism and having clamps at their apexes for attaching to the spheres. The dental model can be adjusted to mimic the occlusion of the patient by adjusting the position at which the spheres are attached to the bands and the position of the spheres in the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Eugene Miller
  • Patent number: 6299442
    Abstract: An articulator that can be recalibrated easily in the field. The articulator has left and right condyle elements that resemble barbells, with an inner sphere, an outer sphere, and a shaft connecting the inner and outer spheres together. In the preferred embodiment, the outer spheres are releasably fixed to the lower frame member by clamping members, and the inner spheres are pivotably mounted to the upper frame member. To calibrate the articulator, the clamping members are loosened, an alignment fixture is installed to ensure that the articulator is in proper alignment, and then the clamping members are tightened into position, fixing the outer spheres in the properly-aligned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Whip Mix Corporation
    Inventors: John Shiao, Jesse Chen, Allen Steinbock
  • Patent number: 6120290
    Abstract: In a jaw movement simulator in which an upper jaw model patterned after an upper jaw and a lower jaw model patterned after a lower jaw are mounted, and the lower jaw model is relatively moved with respect to the upper jaw model. A jaw movement simulation system causes the jaw movement simulator to reproduce a movement of the jaw of a test subject in accordance with data obtained through imaging a movement of the jaw of the test subject. The lower jaw model is fixed on an operating plate having 6 degree of freedom by parallel mechanism, and is moved on the basis of data obtained through a movement of the jaw of the human body, thereby simulating a movement of the jaw with great accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ono Sokki Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Susumu Fukushima, Masanao Ohashi, Akio Takamura
  • Patent number: 5868569
    Abstract: A dental articulator structure for use in registration of a pair of casts of a dental model which are positioned in an opposing and spaced relationship. The articulator structure includes at least one axially rigid support member having opposing ends from which multi-piece cast attachment members may be orthogonally attached. The at least one axially rigid support member and the orthogonally attachable cast attachment members being an articulator structure that locates the axially rigid support member substantially close to the back molar face of the opposing pair of dental model casts such that confronting translational movement of the dental model casts is prevented in a plane parallel to the axially rigid support member, especially confronting translational movement in a region where back molars may be missing in a dental model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 5807102
    Abstract: In a device (51) for holding an in particular plate-like implement (52) serving for forming teeth, in particular a positioning calotte, in an articulator (1), having a holder (55) for the implement (52) which is held on the articulator (1), upon employment of an articulator (1) with a detachable upper part (37) and upon employment of only the lower part (35) of the articulator (1) the holder (55) is mounted on the joint parts (36) of the lower part (35) pivotably about the pivot axis (5) containing the joint parts (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Walter Lang, Alfred Straka
  • Patent number: 5800166
    Abstract: A dental articulator structure for use in registration of a pair of casts of a dental model which are positioned in an opposing and spaced relationship. The articulator structure includes at least one axially rigid support member having opposing ends from which multi-piece cast attachment members may be orthogonally attached. The at least one axially rigid support member and the orthogonally attachable cast attachment members being an articulator structure that locates the axially rigid support member substantially close to the back molar face of the opposing pair of dental model casts such that confronting translational movement of the dental model casts is prevented in a plane parallel to the axially rigid support member, especially confronting translational movement in a region where back molars may be missing in a dental model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 5769634
    Abstract: The main member of the Dental Articulator is a unitary structure of first and second bodies attached by legs. Each of the legs has a self-hinge. The body each has a socket which receives a ball. The balls each has a tapered spline which engages in the corresponding mold recess in a dental cast. The balls are clampable in the sockets when the dental casts are in proper relative position. The self-hinges permit repeatable opening and closing of the dental cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: John Choi
  • Patent number: 5533896
    Abstract: The articulating device according to the present invention is divided in three parts (1, 4 and 7) that integrate one with the others, and provides the insertion of the vertical branch (7) onto the lower branch (4) from front to back, so as to allow the registration of the condylar distance, one side after the other, without the encumbersome mechanism simulating the temple-mandible articulation of the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Edmondo Federici
  • Patent number: 5482460
    Abstract: The specification discloses an articulator and associated method for assembling upper and lower dental models corresponding to the upper and lower sets of a patient's teeth in a desired occlusal relationship for simulation of occlusal and masticatory movements by application of a force to the dental models supported by the articulator. The articulator comprises a frame comprising resiliently deformable first and second frame sections pivotally connected together for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. Each of the frame sections includes an elongate channel, the channels being arranged such that pivotal movement of the frame sections about the pivot axis sweeps the length axes of the channels through arcs in a plane disposed substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. Structure is provided for limiting pivotal movement of the frame sections beyond a closed position at which the length axes of the channels are disposed substantially coaxially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: American Bictech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Farnor, Jr., David G. Scruggs
  • Patent number: 5425636
    Abstract: An articulator for a dental model including a first link means having first and second ends; a second link means having first and second ends; a hinge connecting the first ends of the first and second links; and a pair of couplings; one connected to the second end of the first link and another connected to the second end of the second link. Each coupling includes a model connector having one end defining a first socket and an opposite end adapted for attachment to a dental model; an articulator connector including a ball portion partially received by the first socket and a stem portion connected to one of the second ends of the links; a second socket partially receiving the ball portion and defining an arcuately shaped aperture penetrated by the stem portion; and a retainer securing the model connector to the second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Duke K. Ghim
  • Patent number: 5385470
    Abstract: Articulator for simulating jaw movements comprising an upper and a lower part for carrying an upper-jaw and/or lower-jaw model and connected by joints permitting one or more swivelling and linear motions, in which in the joint the lower part is guided relative to the upper part in one or more directions comprising components of motion in the cranial and/or dorsal direction and corresponding to surtrusion and/or retrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Michael H. Polz
  • Patent number: 5378148
    Abstract: Articulator for dental modelling, such as restoration of individual teeth and the manufacture of bridges or the like, comprising an upper part and a lower part mutually connected by a hinge, which makes it possible to simulate a movement approximately corresponding to a chewing movement, between the upper part and the lower part as well as a device for adjusting the upper part in relation to the lower part to establish a correct mutual engagement between the models mounted on the two parts and a subsequent fixation thereof. The articulator, of which the adjustment can take place shortly after the models have hardened and are ready for further working up, has an upper and lower part, each comprising a mould having walls with a toothing, one of the parts comprising a stanchion made of thermoplastics, the stanchion carrying one part of the hinge, with the hinge being separable. An apparatus having a nozzle is also provided, for supplying a jet of hot air through the stanchion, which is preferably tube shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Bent Mogensen
  • Patent number: 5360337
    Abstract: An articulator for a dental model consisting of two dental casts, includes two connecting members 16 for partial embedding in a settable material, a pair of connectors 14 and a hinge 12 consisting of two hinge elements 22. Each connecting member 16 forms one part of a spigot and socket joint and each pair of connectors 14 forms a second part of a spigot and socket joint. Each pair of connectors 14 has an interlocking formation for interlocking engagement with one of the hinge elements 22. The hinge elements 22 are pivotally linked and each has an interlocking formation complementary to the interlocking formations of the connectors 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Alan M. Westdyk
  • Patent number: 5160262
    Abstract: A dental articulator having a upper support member for supporting a dental cast and a lower support member for supporting a second dental cast. A polycentric hinge joint is provided for simulating the temporomandibular joint of a patient. The polycentric hinge joint comprises a fossae block secured to the upper support member and a condyle member secured to the lower support member which engages a fossae recess in the fossae block. A spring is provided for securing the lower support member to the upper support member and simulating the muscles used for mastication. A pair of wires are provided for simulating the ligaments of a patient. The upper end of each wire passes through an opening in the upper support member. The lower end of each wire is secured to the lower support member. A limiting block is provided on the upper end of each of the wires so as to restrict its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Alpern, Ralph J. Brandon, Douglas G. Nuelle
  • Patent number: 5141433
    Abstract: A dental articulator with its condyle joint being a single ball attached to the upper support member and being removable as well as rotatable through 360 degrees, with the ball being supported in a spring loaded cylinder, allowing the technician to position the upper support member in multiple positions without the need of locking screws. Also, the incisal guide pin is located behind the models to give an unobstructed work area and a unique retaining method is provided which leaves an imprint on the plaster mold so that the molds can only be replaced in one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5098289
    Abstract: A model of the human head having a movable lower jaw is used in the analysis of gnathological relationships. The model receives reproductions of a dental patient's upper and lower dental arches and simulates the functional movements which occur during mastication and, in so doing, permits visual observation of the mandibular joints so that a course of therapy may be chosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Tibor Feher