Having Intra-oral Dispensing Means Patents (Class 433/80)
  • Publication number: 20140127641
    Abstract: An oral irrigator is provided that has a pump unit having at least a first pump being connected or being connectable to at least a first fluid reservoir containing a first fluid, a control unit for controlling the pump unit, at least a first outlet nozzle for emitting fluid pumped from the first fluid reservoir to the first outlet nozzle during operation as a continuous or pulsating fluid jet, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the pump unit during operation in at least a first operation mode such that at least a first fluid jet parameter of the continuous or pulsating jet is automatically varied over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hilscher, Michael Sauer, Martin Simeth, Ingo Vetter
  • Patent number: 8715269
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a system for controlled oral drug delivery. The system comprising a removable device comprising a drug to be delivered, wherein the drug is delivered based on osmotic pressure generated in the removable device. Further, the system comprises a receptacle to hold the removable device in an oral cavity, and a base station configured to dock the removable device for determining information about one or more characteristics of the removable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Andy Wolff, Ben Z Beiski, Simon Herrlich, Axel Schumacher, Sven Spieth, Stephan Messner, Rachid Nouna
  • Publication number: 20140106296
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an interdental cleaner for operably connecting to an external water supply. The interdental cleaner includes a mounting bracket having a bracket inlet fluidly connected to the external water supply and a pressure regulation assembly operably connected to the mounting bracket. The pressure regulation assembly includes a regulation outlet fluidly connected to the bracket inlet. The interdental cleaner further includes a water flosser operably connected to the mounting bracket and fluidly connected to the regulation outlet. During use, water pressure of water at the regulation outlet is lower than a water pressure of water at the bracket inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WATER PIK, INC.
    Inventors: Brian A. Woodard, Jeffrey M. Garrigues
  • Patent number: 8696609
    Abstract: A multi-switch (24) for an oral care appliance includes a switch housing (28) having a hollow chamber (30) therein, a button actuator (32) with at least two O-rings (42) around the periphery thereof, and inlet and outlet channels (50, 52) connecting a source of compressed gas (18) with the housing chamber and the housing chamber with a mixing chamber (26), respectively. A pump (60) moves fluid from a reservoir (20) to the mixing chamber. The O-rings are positioned so that as the button actuator is actuated and then released, the outlet is closed and the inlet is opened, allowing gas to move into the housing chamber. The pump is actuated, and then the inlet is closed and the outlet opens, allowing gas in the chamber to move to the mixing chamber to produce a stream of fluid droplets, which are directed out through a nozzle portion (16) of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Bart Gottenbos, Petrus Henricus De Leeuw
  • Patent number: 8696353
    Abstract: An appliance and corresponding method for delivering antimicrobial agents to the vicinity of dental biofilm and for killing bacteria therein includes a system (18, 20, 24) for delivering polymeric capsules containing gas bubbles and an antimicrobial agent. A source of ultrasonic energy (18) is provided for moving the capsules toward the biofilm, the ultrasonic energy having sufficient intensity for thereafter bursting the capsules, in the vicinity of the biofilm, releasing the gas bubbles and the agent. The gas bubbles vibrate within the ultrasound field, disrupting the biofilm, so that the released agent can act effectively against the bacteria in the disrupted biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Marcel Rene Bohmer, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen
  • Publication number: 20140099597
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for cleaning teeth and gingival pockets are disclosed herein. A fluid platform can include a pressure wave generator configured to propagate pressure waves through a treatment fluid. The pressure waves may be sufficient to remove undesirable dental deposits from a treatment tooth, neighboring gums, and/or spaces between the tooth and gums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Sonendo Inc.
    Inventors: Bjarne Bergheim, Mehrzad Khakpour
  • Patent number: 8684956
    Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin McDonough, Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, II, Curt Binner, Megha Reddy
  • Publication number: 20140080089
    Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method for treating periodontal disease include fitting of a tray about the teeth and gums wherein the tray includes a seal that creates a substantially airtight seal against the gum line and a substantially airtight treatment chamber about the enclosed teeth and gums, the tray further having a reinforcing skirt providing a biasing force to the seal wherein a positive pressure can be created in the treatment chamber for forcing a medicament into the gums about the enclosed teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Duane C. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140080090
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for treating teeth associated with tooth structure removal and disinfection, in particular for endodontic procedures such as root canal tissue removal and decay treatment. Traditional methods involve the use of files, reamers, chemicals, drills, and burs, which have many disadvantages. The disclosed method and apparatus are based on the use of micro-tornado forces generated in a small working head attached to a dental hand piece and discharged from an extended cannula into a root canal orifice or a cavity to abrade, cut, and remove the content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Zohar Laufer
  • Publication number: 20140072931
    Abstract: An oral care device suitable for use in providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, which device includes means for providing reciprocation of a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect of the oral cavity when the liquid is contacted with a plurality of surfaces thereof under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi II, Justin McDonough, Harold D. Ochs
  • Patent number: 8668660
    Abstract: The interproximal cleaning appliance includes a housing (12) and a spray applicator (16) extending therefrom for directing a spray of fluid droplets to the interproximal area. Within the housing is a spray-generating assembly (14) which includes a chamber, a movable piston (26) mounted therein, one-way inlets (42, 40) for gas and fluid and an outlet (44). A system (54) for moving the piston, such as a motor, operatively compresses a spring (32) which creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, allowing gas to flow into the chamber through the gas inlet. Release of the spring produces a stream of fluid droplets which flows out of the chamber through the applicator to the interproximal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Bart Gottenbos, Mariska Hendriks-Van Rijsbergen
  • Patent number: 8641415
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting a crack in a human tooth, especially one covered by a restoration, such as a crown, the approach is to stress the suspect tooth and, by means of acoustic emission techniques, analyze the characteristics of the resultant acoustic emission from the tooth. To aid the identification of a crack from the acoustic emission signal, a baseline may be obtained by performing this procedure at a time when the tooth is known not be cracked, e.g., when a restoration is placed on it. This baseline acoustic emission signature is recorded. This procedure is repeated at intervals. The subsequent measurements are compared with the baseline to identify changes that indicate the initiation and growth of a crack. The invention includes apparatus for implementing the method. The approach is to integrate the acoustic emission pulser and sensor into commercially available dental instruments, e.g., a tooth polisher and a water syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kallis Technical Services
    Inventor: James M. Kallis
  • Publication number: 20140004478
    Abstract: An air water vacuum dental instrument includes a handle; a head; an air control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a water control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; a vacuum control carried by at least one of the handle and the head; and an air water vacuum tip coupled to the head and configured to provide at least air, water, and vacuum in a mouth of a dental patient at the air water vacuum tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hirsch, Thomas R. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8616879
    Abstract: A material capsule containing a reactive or caustic dental material and a separately attachable delivery tip having a metal cannula. A material capsule for placement in a syringe contains a reactive or caustic dental material for dispensing through a metal cannula. The material capsule is sealed for storing the caustic or reactive dental material, preventing prolonged contact with or proximity to the metal cannula of a delivery tip. Contact with the reactive or caustic dental material only occurs during actual dispensing. Transition portions facilitate dispensing of viscous material. External grips facilitate attachment of the delivery tip. The dispensing and accurate placement of caustic or reactive dental materials is facilitated, making dentistry easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Dubey, Jay Grady, David Saily
  • Publication number: 20130337402
    Abstract: A dental handpiece where the chip air line is selectively switched to the ON-state for using both water and chip air, and to the OFF-state for using only water. The dental handpiece has a switching valve between the circumferential chip air channel and the chip air line in the handpiece body for selectively allowing and preventing communication. Opening the valve switches the communication to the ON-state in which chip air is allowed to pass from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line. Closing the valve switches the communication to an OFF-state in which chip air is prevented from passing from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NAKANISHI INC.
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Masanori Mizunuma, Kieta Yokochi
  • Publication number: 20130337404
    Abstract: A method comprises inserting an ultrasonic oscillatory dental tip into a gingival sulcus of a patient proximate to a subgingival tooth surface, and ultrasonically oscillating the dental tip while supplying a fluid to a porous of the dental tip to space the dental tip surface from the subgingival tooth surface to inhibit contact there-between while debriding biofilm from the tooth surface. A dental tool comprises a tip body having first and second ends, the first end coupleable to a dental delivery device; an internal fluid flow passage through the tip body disposed between the first end and the second end; the second end having a dental tip surface in fluid communication with the internal fluid flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Feine
  • Patent number: 8602774
    Abstract: A process of whitening a tooth provided by the invention includes the steps of providing a delivery device for mechanical dispensing of a predetermined amount of a whitening composition to an applicator tip; dispensing the amount of whitening composition to the applicator tip; applying the amount of whitening composition disposed on the applicator tip to the tooth to be whitened; and allowing the whitening composition to remain in contact with the tooth for a period of time sufficient to whiten the tooth. Optionally, the process further includes the step of exposing the whitening composition to light. A gum or candy for tooth bleaching is detailed along with methods of use. A device adapted to dispense an amount of a dental whitening composition optionally includes a light source for activating the whitener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan Wasylucha
  • Publication number: 20130316299
    Abstract: Conversion assemblies enable an air/water dental syringe adapted for connection to an existing tip such as an autoclavable tip to instead receive disposable tip. A conversion kit includes a cap subassembly with a cap body having a distal opening into which the disposable tip is inserted, and an adapter subassembly having a proximal end configured for connection to the syringe body and a distal end configured for coupling to the cap subassembly. The adapter subassembly includes one or more components with cut-outs, grooves or channels to direct air and water from the syringe body to the air-carrying channels and water-carrying tube of the disposable tip through the cap subassembly. To accommodate a wide variety of syringe styles, the adapter subassembly may include a proximal receptacle to receive a stem on the syringe; a proximal stem insertable into the syringe; one or more proximal air- or water-carrying tubes insertable into the syringe; or a threaded connection to the syringe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Donovan Berkely
  • Patent number: 8591229
    Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method for treating periodontal disease include fitting of a tray about the teeth and gums wherein the tray includes a seal that creates a substantially airtight seal against the gumline and a substantially airtight treatment chamber about the enclosed teeth and gums, the tray further having a reinforcing skirt providing a biasing force to the seal wherein a positive pressure can be created in the treatment chamber for forcing a medicament into the gums about the enclosed teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Duane C. Keller
  • Patent number: 8591230
    Abstract: The device includes a shim component constructed for use in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal carious dental lesions. A plunger may be provided for driving substances through a tube-like channel or bore in the shim component, or an electromagnetic energy-transmissive material may fill the channel, in either case for delivering to the site of the lesion a medium that is effective for directly or indirectly killing, or biologically damaging, the carious bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Flanagan
  • Patent number: 8585406
    Abstract: An oral appliance is constructed and provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth, the oral appliance including an interior surface having a porous material disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface of the oral appliance, the porous material containing a medicament and the interior surface being formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth and being capable of supporting and holding the porous material in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth to deliver the medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Peter John Zegarelli
  • Publication number: 20130260332
    Abstract: An oral hygiene appliance is provided having an upper and lower appliance member formed of an arcuate channel for placement over a wearer's upper and lower teeth and gum lines. The channels are comprised of an inner and outer layer sandwiching an internal pathway for routing a pressurized cleaning solution therethrough. The pathway is a network of tubules or a formed pathway between the channel layers, the pathway having a main conduit, branches, and outlets through the channel inner layers. The frontal portion of the appliance connects to at least one lead tube. The lead tubes further connect to an external fluid pump and reservoir of cleaning solution, which is pumped into the pathways of the upper and lower appliance and exit the outlets to spray remove plaque, tarter, and food particles. The device may be used in replacement of or in addition to traditional toothbrush cleaning routines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20130260333
    Abstract: Conversion assemblies enable a disposable tip to connect to an existing air/water dental syringe configured to receive a non-disposable tip. A conversion kit enabling an air/water syringe body to receive a disposable tip includes a retainer body having a distal opening into which the proximal end of the elongated disposable tip is inserted, and one or more internal components with cut-outs, grooves or channels to direct air and water from the syringe body to the air-carrying channels and water-carrying tube of the disposable tip. All of the components internal to the retainer are installed through the proximal opening in the retainer, enabling the proximal end of the retainer to be adjacent to the syringe body, such that there are no seams in the outer surface of the retainer from the syringe body to the distal end of the retainer that might collect pathogens or dirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Donovan Berkely
  • Patent number: 8539630
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an air flossing system cleans debris from the teeth of a user. The oral care implement may include an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue. A body is provided for gripping the implement. An air source is disposed in the body for proving pressurized air to an air outlet. The air outlet is disposed in the oral care region for injecting the pressurized air to clean debris from the oral tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez, Steve Sorrel, Philip Durocher, Bruce Russell, Thomas Boyd
  • Patent number: 8522384
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush assembly (100) includes an outer housing (102, 104), a brush head (106) and a fluid nozzle (138) adjacent the brush head (106), an inner housing (122) disposed within the outer housing (102,104) and having a motor (130) which is in operative engagement with the brush head (106) to impart motion to the brush head (106) and a pump mechanism (134) disposed within the inner housing (122). The outer housing (102,104) and the inner housing (122) define a chamber (142) therebetween for accommodating a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Kit Lun Leung
  • Patent number: 8523565
    Abstract: Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a shell having a number of cavities to receive one or more teeth, each cavity having an inner surface. Fewer than all cavities are scaled-up in size by a first selected percentage over one or more dimensions of a corresponding tooth surface to provide a uniform space between the cavity inner surface and the corresponding tooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick M. Matty, Anthony W. Morefield, Devin K. Webb
  • Patent number: 8517728
    Abstract: An oral care implement has a head portion with tooth cleaning elements on one surface thereof and a reservoir containing at least one active agent. A capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver active agent(s) to one or more outlets. In one aspect, a vibration-producing device is provided to vibrate at least a portion of the implement to enhance the function of tooth cleaning elements and the delivery of the active agent through capillary action. A variety of active agents can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas J. Boyd, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Bruce M. Russell
  • Patent number: 8517729
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario and Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Julie Theurer, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Brandon Coultes
  • Publication number: 20130177868
    Abstract: The appliance includes an elongated body portion (12) and an assembly (14, 16 18) for producing high velocity water droplets, as well as a nozzle and guidance assembly (20) which includes a base portion (21) and a replaceable tip portion (22). The tip portion is connectable to the base portion by a connection arrangement, such as a weld, an adhesive, or a threaded connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Dan Defenbaugh, Dainia Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130164705
    Abstract: An oral cleaning device includes: a wash water production tank in which wash water to be fed into an oral cavity is produced and stored; a water feed mechanism including a water feed channel having one end connected to the wash water production tank, a carrier configured to carry the wash water in the wash water production tank into the water feed channel, and a release unit connected to an outlet end of the water feed channel to release the wash water into the oral cavity; and an electrical discharge generator which includes a pair of electrodes for inducing streamer discharge in water, and a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the pair of electrodes, and is configured to produce hydrogen peroxide in the water by the streamer discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Kenkichi Kagawa, Makoto Iwakame, Mitsuji Ohgami, Takanori Ijitsu, Shinichi Takahira, Eriko Ooshima
  • Patent number: 8469709
    Abstract: A dental hygiene device for wearing in the mouth over the teeth and along gums has a flexible open-support structure and a fabric covering overlying the support structure. The flexible open-support structure has two opposing facing bases, an inner base and an outer base. Each base extends the length of the device and has a curvature to fit over the teeth and along gums of a wearer of the device. The inner base fits between teeth and the tongue, while the outer base fits between the teeth and the cheeks and lips region of the mouth. A plurality of arch-shaped ribs extends from the inner base over to the outer base joining the two bases to form the flexible open-support structure. The fabric covering extends from each base overlying the plurality of arched ribs. The fabric covering is permeable to fluids. The support structure has a means for receiving and holding a cream or paste and delivering the cream or paste to the teeth, gums and fabric covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Puthalath Koroth Raghuprasad
  • Patent number: 8469707
    Abstract: A hand-held device, particularly for dental purposes, comprising a dispenser for dispensing a pasty filling material as well a device for emitting a radiation that causes the filling material to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Emde
  • Publication number: 20130149662
    Abstract: A system for providing water powered mechanical articles is provided where said system has a selector valve operatively associated with a water inlet; a containment tube having therein a separate water input tube and a separate water discharge tube; a spooling apparatus for spooling said containment tube; a hand-held selector valve having incorporated therein selection means for utilizing said system further constructed and arranged such that unexpelled water from said valve body is returned through said discharge tube incorporated said containment tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Routh Meloul-Tzubeli
  • Patent number: 8458841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush head for a toothbrush. The brush head has a brush disc (3) mounted in a rotatable fashion on a brush body (2) and a channel (7) with an opening for the application of a cleaning product and a composite part (6) that serves as a valve (12) for opening the channel (7) and as a rotational bearing for the brush disc (3). The composite part (6) comprises a tube (8) made of hard material on the one end thereof and is connected to the channel (7) there. The valve (12), which is made of an elastic material, is disposed on the other end of the composite part (6). The tube (8) of the compound part (6) is connected to the brush body (2) in a stationary fashion, for example, pressed into the brush body (2). The brush disc (3) is mounted in a rotatable fashion on the tube (8). The valve (12) is preferably designed as a slotted valve with a slot (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Haas, Ivo Kunath, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8449295
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device having, in one implementation, a unique, peristaltic pump water streaming or jet action; and in another implementation, a multi-headed toothbrush may also be disposed on the end of a handle on which the jet nozzle or nozzles are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: CRA Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hegemann
  • Patent number: 8444416
    Abstract: Dual valves are described herein. The dual valves have a plurality of lumens disposed within a unitary body. The dual valves can be used, for example, in personal care products such as toothbrushes and razors to dispense fluids such as dentifrice and shaving aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander T. Chenvainu, Thomas A. Christman, Manfred Klawuhn
  • Patent number: 8439676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a periodontal interdental tray and to a periodontal medicament tray syringe that can be used in conjunction with the periodontal interdental tray of the present invention, or can be utilized by itself or in conjunction with other periodontal trays already on the market. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to treatment of periodontal disease, and in particular to a dental tray syringe and method for delivering medicaments into areas of the mouth either supragingival or subgingivally to treat the infected areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Florman
  • Patent number: 8439674
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for intra-oral delivery of drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Wenda C. Carlyle, Philippe De Smedt, Amir Abolfathi, Eric E. Kuo, Robert E. Tricca, Jennifer C. Chen, Benjamin M. Wu
  • Publication number: 20130108982
    Abstract: A reshapable retention device for insertion at a dental site and contact with adjacent dental surfaces, for the controlled delivery to the dental site of at least one material having a predetermined intraoral activity. The retention device comprises at least one matrix containing the material. The retention device is adapted for physically affixing at the dental site for at least a predetermined time period correlated to the delivery of a predetermined portion of the at least one matrix to the dental site in a controlled single, bi or multiphase pattern. The retention device comprises a first configuration in which the overall dimensions of the retention device are larger than at least one dimension of the dental site. The first configuration is reshapable to a second configuration in which at least one dimension of the retention device is reduced to enable physically affixing the retention device at the dental site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: COLLDENT Y.A. LTD.
    Inventor: COLLDENT Y.A. LTD.
  • Patent number: 8414293
    Abstract: An oral carrier strip for the delivery of an oral care composition to the oral cavity of a human or animal subject is provided. The strip includes a first portion adapted to contact a front facing side of a plurality of teeth. A second portion is provided to be folded around the teeth so as to contact a back facing side of the teeth. The first portion has a first perimeter patterned to substantially match a shape of an outer gingival tissue, and the second portion has a second perimeter opposite the first perimeter and patterned to match a shape of an inner gingival tissue. The second perimeter defines an aperture disposed in the second portion having a rounded notch positioned in a center portion of the strip, configured to prevent the strip from tearing when folded around the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Rensl Dillon, Mahmoud Hassan, David B. Viscio, Abdul Gaffar, Lisa Christina Beck
  • Patent number: 8408900
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Triune IP LLC
    Inventors: Ross Teggatz, Wayne Chen
  • Patent number: 8408483
    Abstract: A dental water jet apparatus for adjusting a pressurized water stream from a pump to a tip moves pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. When the flow control knob is turned in a first direction, the volume of fluid directed towards the tip decreases and the volume of fluid returned to an inlet of the pump increases. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Boyd, Brian R. Williams, Kurt M. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130078597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle tip for a three-way syringe device, said nozzle tip comprising a co-axial tube assembly having attachment means adapted for releasable attachment of said nozzle tip to a syringe device, and wherein said tube assembly comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, said inner tube having an end section comprising an inclined outlet face, and wherein the inner tube is tight-fit against the interior surface of the outer tube. The invention also covers a dental apparatus comprising a nozzle tip for a three-way syringe device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Chris Thorp, Alan Julian Segal
  • Patent number: 8403665
    Abstract: An oral irrigator has a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda Lee Thomas, Kurt Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 8398324
    Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing a substance onto a substrate, such as a tooth treatment compound onto teeth, includes a vial including a pair of thin members forming a cavity therebetween in which the substance is arranged and a conduit defining an internal dispensing channel communicating with the cavity, an applicator tip arranged in connection with the conduit and including projections adapted to contact the substrate, and a cap including a cavity. The cap removably attaches to the vial and when attached, covers the applicator tip and seals the internal channel. When the cap is detached from the vial and the thin members are squeezed toward one another, the substance in the cavity is urged out of the cavity into and through the internal channel in the conduit and onto the projections to enable it to be brought into contact with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: JBL Radical Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Levine
  • Patent number: 8375954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to intra oral devices for treating overweight and obesity by reducing and/or limiting the mouth opening “and/or slowing down the rate of chewing and more specifically to such devices handled by the user with or without the need for professional help, a method and use thereof. Said intra oral device of the present invention consists of a restraining device (8) which is being anchored in the upper and lower jaws, consisting of an elastic element which is inserted into two respective inter-proximal spaces (IPSs) of said upper and said lower jaws and reduces and/or limits the mouth opening and/or slows down the rate of chewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nobesity Ltd.
    Inventor: Erella Pines
  • Publication number: 20130034829
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nano bubble generating nozzle including: a passage passing through an interior thereof to provide a flow path through which liquid flows; a nano bubble generating part corresponding to a part of the passage, and formed such that a cross-section of the nano bubble generating part becomes small and then large again along a flow path of liquid so that the nano bubble generating part has a pressure lower than an external pressure of the nozzle body; and a gas inlet formed in the nozzle body, and connected to the nano bubble generating part so that gas is introduced into the nano bubble generating part due to a difference between an external pressure of the nozzle body and a pressure in the nano bubble generating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jeng Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8328553
    Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce R. Broyles, Marc Peuker, Sebastian Guggenmos, Andreas J. Boehm, Hubert Schloegl, Michael Knee, Werner Fichtl, John W. Dubbe, Arno Hohmann, Darin J. Meyertholen, Dean K. Reidt, Steven J. Maxa, Urs Mahnel
  • Publication number: 20120301843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental handpiece wherein the chip air line is selectively switched to the ON-state for using both water and chip air, and to the OFF-state for using only water. The dental handpiece has a switching valve provided between the circumferential chip air channel and the chip air line in the handpiece body for selectively allowing and preventing communication therebetween, wherein opening of the valve switches the communication to the ON-state in which chip air is allowed to pass from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line, whereas closing of the valve switches the communication to an OFF-state in which chip air is prevented from passing from the circumferential chip air channel into the chip air line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Masanori Mizunuma, Keita Yokochi
  • Patent number: 8317514
    Abstract: Device for difficult intervention in a closed enclosure, including a duct, a first end of which is intended to penetrate within the chamber, the duct being furthermore connected: to a pressure reduction device, the function of which is to lower the pressure within the enclosure; to an outlet duct for extracting the sucked-up material; and to a duct connected to a device for suddenly relieving the pressure and to an opening in the device for bringing the end of the duct into contact with the external air when the pressure within the enclosure reaches a value below a certain threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Weill