Having Intra-oral Dispensing Means Patents (Class 433/80)
  • Patent number: 7141616
    Abstract: The invention relates to urethane prepolymers, obtainable by reaction of: (A) 15 to 85 wt.-% of one or more ?,?-terminated poly(meth)acrylate diols, (B) 0 to 30 wt.-% of one or more radically curable, polyhydroxy-functional compounds, (C) 14 to 60 wt.-% of one or more polyisocyanates, (D) 1 to 40 wt.-% of a monofunctional compound, reactive vis-à-vis isocyanate groups, which also contains one or more radically curable grouping, as well as their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Hecht, Günther Lechner, Thomas Lehmann, Gunther Eckhardt, Bernd Gangnus
  • Patent number: 7137814
    Abstract: A dental treatment tray used to provide a desired treatment is injection molded from a composition that includes at least one thermoplastic resin and at least plasticizer. The plasticized thermoplastic resin permits the dental treatment tray to be injection molded even while having a wall thickness less than about 0.015 inch. The plasticizer increases the melt flow index of the thermoplastic resin while in a molten state, which facilitates complete filling of the mold cavity by the thermoplastic resin. The plasticizer also softens the thermoplastic polymer while in a solidified state in order to yield a dental tray that is even more flexible and comfortable for the user to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Derrick P. Christman
  • Patent number: 7131838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dental apparatus including a fluid reservoir having a connection part, and a fluid reservoir receptor section having a reception part. The connection part includes a cylindrical member, a shaft member slidably arranged through the cylindrical member, and having a channel, a fluid passage defined between the channel and the cylindrical member, and an air passage formed in the cylindrical member for taking external air in. The openings of the fluid and air passages are openable by sliding the shaft member. The reception part includes a passage, a valve in the opening of the passage for taking external air in, and a releaser member for sliding the shaft member to open the openings of the fluid and air passages when the fluid reservoir is installed on the fluid reservoir receptor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nakanishi, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7118377
    Abstract: A dental system for cleaning a user's teeth and marginal gingiva with a drug solution includes a mouthpiece made for each user and having substantially the same shape as the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The mouthpiece is designed to produce a gap between the mouthpiece and the teeth together with the marginal gingiva when placed to cover the teeth and the marginal gingiva of the user. The dental system also includes a drug solution supply unit and a drain unit, both connected to the mouthpiece, and a suction unit connected to the drain unit. The mouthpiece adheres to the marginal gingiva by a suction applied from the suction unit. The dental system cleans the teeth and the marginal gingiva with a stream of the drug solution flowing through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Yoshinori Inoue, Hisaaki Shinji, Noboru Uchimura
  • Patent number: 7118376
    Abstract: A system for the strategic controlled delivery of materials to the dental surfaces of the intraoral cavity is disclosed. These materials have a desired or predetermined activity with respects to such dental surfaces. In particular, the system enables delivery of fluoridizing and other agents to interproximal sites among others, specially to contact points/areas (aproximal sites), to enable the prevention, treatment, diagnosis, elimination or retardation of dental caries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Coll Partners Ltd.
    Inventors: Ahron Jodaikin, Hilary Jodaikin
  • Patent number: 7112062
    Abstract: A dental material delivery system includes an applicator having a proximal segment, a median bending segment and a tip; an elongated handle; and a cap. The proximal segment of the applicator is nonremovably frictionally mounted within a proximal bore section of the handle, the median bending segment of the applicator is aligned generally longitudinally with an annular weakened wall line of the handle, and the tip of the applicator extends into a distal bore section of the handle. A quantity of dental material is disposed within the distal section of the handle. The cap is mounted to the handle adjacent the distal end of the handle to seal the handle. The wall of the handle is separable at the annular weakened wall line to permit withdrawal of the applicator tip and transfer of the dental material to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.
    Inventor: Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 7108506
    Abstract: A dental tray having a planar portion and a single wall, useful for dental treatments including bleaching, fluoride applications, desensitizing teeth, antibacterial treatments and other dental operations. At least one groove or bead, either continuous or segmented, divides the planar portion into a first planar portion and a second foldable portion inside the tray that can be raised by the patient to form an inner wall after the tray has been inserted into the patient's mouth. The tray is formed from any dental tray material. Preferred are copolymer formed from ethylene and vinyl acetate having a forming temperature between 125° F. and 135° F. and a freezing point between about 80° F. and 106° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Archtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Jacobs, Allison J. LeGendre
  • Patent number: 7090491
    Abstract: A dispenser has first and second reservoirs configured to contain first and second components of a single dose of a multi-component dental adhesive. The reservoirs are sealed by closures which are slidably received in the reservoirs. When the closures are moved from first positions to second positions, the contents of the reservoirs may be accessed with an adhesive applicator. An applicator configured to be used with the dispenser has a collar spaced from a tip of the applicator, whereby the applicator may be used to move the closures while ensuring that the tip does not contact the closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Higgins, Jr., Daniel Ng
  • Patent number: 7080980
    Abstract: A dental hygiene system provided with interchangeable dental heads permits power-enhanced brushing and concurrent fluid irrigation to optimize a user's personal dental hygiene efforts. The system has a handle assembly with an irrigation nozzle in close proximity to displaceable bristles driven by a battery-operated handle motor. Pumping of irrigation fluid such as an antiseptic solution into the oral cavity is also motor driven. A telescoping chamber with irrigation fluid fits on the piston-like base end of the handle and is refilled by docking the handle assembly on a complementary docking station that includes a detachable fluid reservoir, microswitch controls and a base fluid pump. Docking of the handle assembly triggers the microswitches and opens a check valve in the bottom of the handle chamber, which activates the flow of fluid from the reservoir into the chamber. An optional fiberoptic subassembly illuminates the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Klupt
  • Patent number: 7059853
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device having, in one embodiment, a unique, peristaltic pump water streaming or jet action; and in another embodiment, 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: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: CRA Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Hegemann
  • Patent number: 7059858
    Abstract: A tray-shaped dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a front side wall and a bottom wall, and a dental treatment composition. In addition, the tray-shaped dental treatment device includes at least one of the following anatomical features to enhance the fit of the device: (1) the bottom wall includes a plurality of cuts positioned to help the bottom wall better conform to abrupt changes in the diameters of a person's teeth where the bicuspids and canines meet, or (2) the bottom wall includes at least one V-shaped or U-shaped indentation configured to be inserted into the depression typically found along the top surfaces of a person's molars, or (3) the front side wall and bottom wall include radii of curvature that account for typical flaring of a patient's incisors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. McLean, Dan E. Fischer, Peter M. Allred
  • Patent number: 7040893
    Abstract: A dental delivery tool sized and configured to deliver a dental composition into a dental preparation includes: (A) a hollow body configured to deliver a dental composition therefrom; and (B) a plurality of fibers coupled to at least a portion of the hollow body. A portion of the fibers extend a length “L” distally beyond the rim of the hollow body. A portion of the fibers are coupled along the wall a distance “D” proximally with respect to the rim. The distance “D” is at least about two and one half times greater than the length “L”. Employing the tool, which may be a delivery tip, for example, the interior walls of a dental preparation may be conveniently brushed or cleaned during a procedure in which a dental composition is delivered using the dental delivery tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7040897
    Abstract: A dental treatment system comprises membrane treatment tray that is self-conforming to a person's own teeth when used with a sticky dental treatment composition and a support skeleton. The support skeleton maintains the flexible membrane tray in the form of tray prior to placing the tray over a person's teeth. A sticky viscous composition is either provided in or applied to the membrane tray, and then the treatment system is placed so as to position the membrane tray over the upper or lower teeth of the person. The support skeleton (internal or external) is separated from the membrane tray so that just the membrane tray remains over the person's teeth during the desired dental treatment. The sticky viscous composition holds the membrane tray against the teeth and helps it to at least partially conform to the shape of the teeth. The membrane dental tray is useful for teeth bleaching and other dental treatments known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 7021930
    Abstract: A cup for use with the handpiece of an apparatus for applying gas to a portion of a tooth comprising a liner (18) configured and arranged to engage a gas dispensing handpiece, a body (16) defining a gas exposure chamber (28), the body having a higher resiliency to deformation than the liner. The body may be so deformable that it forms against the surface of a tooth to effect a seal and to expose a portion of the tooth to gas circulated in the chamber. The body may overmold the liner and may be formed of thermal-plastic rubber, and the liner may be formed of a plastic material. The gas exposure chamber may be cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Jurgen H. Schemmer, Susan Knapp, legal representative, Patrick Knapp, deceased
  • Patent number: 7021931
    Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of dental caries includes a source of oxidizing gas and a handpiece for delivering the gas to a tooth. A cup attached to the handpiece is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth to the gas. The cup includes a resilient edge for sealably the edge for engaging the tooth around the selected area to prevent escape of a gas therepast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Curozone Ireland Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Lynch, Jurgen H. Schemmer, Aylin Baysan, Gregory R. Holland, Tom Weisel, Roger Mc Pherson
  • Patent number: 7018622
    Abstract: A peroxide product is provided. The peroxide product includes a package having a headspace, a substrate disposed within the package, and a thin layer of a composition having a peroxide active and a polyol, wherein the thin layer is disposed adjacent the substrate. The peroxide product also includes at least one means for increasing the stability of the peroxide active of the composition. The thin layer of the composition has at least about 43% of its original concentration of the peroxide active at twelve months after manufacture when stored at about 25° C. and in the absence of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lesle Marie Goodhart, Sue Ellen Bernheim, Paul Albert Sagel, Christopher Scott Ralston, Gary Lyle Walden, Hooman Shahidi, Richard Joseph Sunberg
  • Patent number: 7011523
    Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions in the shape of a dental tray or tray-like form include a substantially solid adhesive layer and a dental bleaching gel. A barrier layer may be included on an outer surface of the adhesive layer to form a dental bleaching device. The adhesive layer comprises a substantially solid adhesive composition that has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive layer is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a bleaching gel separate from the adhesive layer improves the potency and stability of the bleaching agent, as the bleaching gel is not heated like the adhesive layer. The shape of the dental bleaching device facilitates placement of the device over a person's teeth with substantially less manipulation compared to the use of initially flat bleaching strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, Neil T. Jessop
  • Patent number: 7008225
    Abstract: A safe brushing is realized without sticking the gum if the bristle tips are once inserted in a pocket of a tooth by using a system having a brush of which the bristle tips automatically vibrate in a direction at right angles with the direction of length of the bristles. A brush lever 5 having a brush 4 is swingingly supported in the nozzle 1, a flow passage 3 leading to a blow-out port 1a at an end of a nozzle 1 is partly bent, and a resilient member 7 is provided at the bent portion to urge the brush lever 5 in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of water, so that the brush lever 5 oscillates reciprocally due to the resilient force produced by the resilient member 7 and the pressure of water flow, causing the bristle tips of the brush 4 to oscillate in a direction at right angles with the direction of length of the bristles outside the nozzle 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Elemex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Ito, Nobuhiro Takeda
  • Patent number: 6997708
    Abstract: Treatment compositions in the shape of a strip or patch include a substantially solid adhesive layer and a treatment gel. A barrier layer may be included on an outer surface of the adhesive layer to form a treatment strip. The adhesive layer comprises a substantially solid adhesive composition that has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive layer is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a treatment gel separate from the adhesive layer improves the potency and stability of an active agent that is sensitive to heat, as the treatment gel is typically not heated prior to use like the adhesive layer. The adhesiveness of the treatment composition or strip facilitates placement over a person's teeth. The moistened adhesive composition reliably adheres the treatment composition or strip against a user's teeth during a desired procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, Neil T. Jessop
  • Patent number: 6997706
    Abstract: A kit that may be used to place a dental bracket and a medicament-releasing pellet in the mouth of a patient, and methods for using such kits. The pellet is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or another medicament over a desired period of time. The kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet, a dental bracket, and a placement device. The dental bracket comprises a base and a socket. The bracket may be installed by a dental practitioner and may remain attached to the patient's tooth for up to 20 years. The placement device aids the dental practitioner in placing the bracket on a patient's tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Jessop, Bruce S. McLean, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6991458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilizing/disinfecting water circuits of dental units (1) comprising dental handpieces (2) and a water circuit (3) for supplying liquid from a main supply (4) through corresponding circuit legs or branches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3s). The method comprises at least the following steps: introducing a disinfectant/sterilizing liquid in the water circuit (3) for a predetermined length of time; draining the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid out of the circuit (3) through the circuit legs or branches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3s); and introducing the user liquid in the water circuit (3); the method further comprising, between the steps of introducing and draining out the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid and the user liquid, a step of introducing a fluid from an independent branch (5) in the water circuit (3) for a predetermined length of time, depending on defined parameters, in order to expel from the water circuit (3) all the remaining liquid in the water circuit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Castellini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Castellini
  • Patent number: 6981874
    Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include an adhesive activation composition and a dental bleaching gel. A barrier layer may be included to form a dental bleaching device that protects the bleaching composition from saliva or moisture during use. The adhesive activation composition is substantially solid and has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive activation composition is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a bleaching gel separate from the adhesive activation composition improves the potency and stability of the bleaching agent prior to use. During use, saliva or moisture cause the bleaching gel to be activated as the bleaching agent activator in the activation composition is leached therefrom so as to react with and destabilize the bleaching agent within the bleaching gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6976842
    Abstract: A device for use at least in conjunction with powdered, time-released, periodontal medication, with a view to improving at least upon problems associated with conditional applicators for such medications. Such a device may be in the shape of a hollow, half-cone with a tubular holding element attached to the top of the cone for rotational adjustments. The thin conical shape at the apex of the assisting device penetrates under the gum-line (into the gingival crevice) naturally. The device expands and maintains a sub-gingival space between the gingiva (gum-line) and the tooth. This allows the syringe tip to expulse the medication into the gingival crevice via at least three techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Richard J. Miggantz
  • Patent number: 6966773
    Abstract: A tray fitted to at least some teeth of a patient's upper or lower arch is provided for the application of medications to the teeth and to adjacent gum tissue for treatment of periodontal disease. The tray is constructed from resilient material molded to conform to the teeth and gum tissue. The tray includes at least one recess formed to conform to the teeth. A seal surrounds the recess at a location corresponding to the patient's gum line for applying pressure at the patient's gum line when the patient's teeth are disposed in the recess. The recess contains a quantity of a medication. Upon installation of the tray on the patient's teeth, the medication is forced onto the surface of the teeth and subgingivally by the seal into any pockets in the patient's gums proximate the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Duane C. Keller
  • Patent number: 6955538
    Abstract: A device for placing a slow-release supply in the oral cavity, typically in a tooth filling or dental prosthesis. The device includes a sleeve having an opening at least at one end and adapted to be inserted in a recess of the filling or prosthesis, and which is substantially cylindrical in shape. At the end which is to be place deepest within the filling or prosthesis, the sleeve has a diameter which is somewhat larger than the remainder of the sleeve in order to form a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Decon AS
    Inventors: Björn Borch, John Thorleif Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6949240
    Abstract: A tooth whitening product is provided. The tooth whitening product includes a strip of material sized to cover the front surface of one or more teeth and soft tissue adjacent the front surface of the teeth. A thin layer of a tooth whitening composition is disposed on the strip of material. The whitening composition contains a peroxide active with a concentration greater than about 7.5% by weight of the tooth whitening composition, and the tooth whitening composition has a peroxide density less than about 1.3 mg/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Albert Sagel, Robert Woodrow Gerlach
  • Patent number: 6939535
    Abstract: A method for preventing tooth decay by initially treating the tooth surface with a laser with a coherent or noncoherent light source. This process makes the tooth more resistant to acid and more able to bond fluoride, thus requiring a lower concentration of fluoride. The method allows for a deeper penetration of the tooth then previously accomplished with other methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Nocari, LLC
    Inventors: Colette Cozean, Lynn Powell, Samir Nammour
  • Patent number: 6932604
    Abstract: An interproximal squirt brush includes a solution container having a compressible solution chamber for containing a washing solution and a nozzle head having an opening, and a brush head including a brush arm and a brush member. The brush arm has a brush portion and a retention portion slidably inserted into the opening of the solution container, wherein a dispensing channel is formed between the retention portion of the brush arm and the inner wall of the nozzle head for allowing the solution to pass therethrough. The brush member is provided at the brush portion of the brush arm. Therefore, when a compression force is applied on the solution container, the solution is released to the brush member through the dispensing channel of the nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Johnny Steve Han, Mei-Ling Pauling Han
  • Patent number: 6932603
    Abstract: An interproximal squirt brush includes a squeezable bottle having a solution cavity for containing a washing solution and a nozzle head having an opening, and a brush head including a brush arm and a brush member. The brush arm has a brush portion and a resilient portion slidably inserted into the opening of the squeezable bottle for providing an urging force against an inner wall of the nozzle head, wherein a dispensing channel is formed between the resilient portion of the brush arm and the inner wall of the nozzle head for allowing the washing solution to pass therethrough. The brush member is provided at the brush portion of the brush arm. Therefore, when a squeezing force is applied on the squeezable bottle, the washing solution is released to the brush member through the dispensing channel of the nozzle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Johnny Steve Han, Mei-Ling Pauling Han
  • Patent number: 6905486
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: David Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6896518
    Abstract: A dental tray for treating teeth using upper and lower jaw patterns formed from dental wax. The patterns are thin, ranging from about 0.02 to 0.08 inches thick, with 0.04 inches preferred. The wax is capable of softening at body temperature. The patterns include a fold line formed along their lengths so an outer portion extends from the fold line about the length of the average person's front teeth, for example, about 0.625 inches. The inner portion is slightly smaller, for example, about 0.375 inches. The inner portions have gaps to permit the folded pattern to fit inside the patient's mouth. The inside of the tray may be textured to assist in holding bleaching material. The tray can be reused, and it is suitable for bleaching, fluoride treatment, stain removal, and other conventional dental procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Jacobs, Robert Ibsen
  • Patent number: 6893259
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device including, in combination, a system for relatively effortlessly and effectively cleansing dental, inter-dental, gingival and deep-gum surfaces and crevices, and a convenient teeth bleaching system that may be selectively implemented following cleansing of the oral surfaces, wherein the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with, or in lieu of, conventional brushing and/or flossing practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Igor Reizenson
  • Patent number: 6878287
    Abstract: An electrolytically activated, microcidal aqueous solution is disclosed which is used in the elimination and control of biofilm in dental unit water lines. The solution has a pH between 6.75 and 10 with microcidal as well as anti-oxidising, dispersing and surfactant properties, rendering the solution bio-compatible and non-corrosive, as well as capable of eliminating biofilm in dental unit water lines, while simultaneously dispersing and dislodging the biofilm from the water lines so as reduce the micro-organisms in the dental water to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Radical Waters IP (Pty) Limited
    Inventor: Jacobus Theodo Marais
  • Patent number: 6860736
    Abstract: Oral treatment devices include a barrier layer and an oral treatment composition, and optionally an auxiliary adhesive composition, that acts as an endoskeleton so as to at least partially contribute to maintaining the barrier layer in the shape of a dental tray, or in a tray-like configuration, prior to use. The barrier layer protects the oral treatment and/or adhesive composition from saliva or moisture during use. The treatment and/or auxiliary adhesive compositions can have a consistency ranging from a sticky, viscous gel or a solid. They preferably include a tissue adhesion agent comprising a hydrophilic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Allred, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6854974
    Abstract: A device for filling and reinforcing an internal tunnel preparation in a tooth in which the approximal margin is kept as short as possible in order to prevent overhangs. The device includes a closed first elongate and flexible container means having one end provided with a tip or string to enable insertion of the first container means into an interdental space adjacent the portion of said tooth, from which approximal caries has been removed. The first container means is filled or fillable with a flowable restorative material, which is intended to flow into and fill the tunnel preparation as soon as a hole has been punched into the flat container means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Jouko Suhonen
  • Patent number: 6843981
    Abstract: The bleaching compositions of discolored teeth comprise titanium dioxide initiating photocatalyst action with light irradiation, chemical compounds generating hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution and thickening agents. Further the bleaching methods of discolored teeth comprising applying the bleaching composition onto the surface area of the teeth and then initiating photocatalyst action by irradiating the applied surfaces area with light. Therefore, the present invention shows remarkable bleaching results due to easy application of the compositions onto discolored teeth and keeping the original activity of the photocatalyst without its deterioration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Takuro Ishibashi, Emi Higashiizumi, Ryuji Sotoaka, Fukusaburo Ishihara, Minoru Kakuda, Masumi Ogasawara, Kouzo Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 6837708
    Abstract: A device for generating a jet stream of air entrained water for cleaning teeth and gums, includes two pumps disposed to respectively and sequentially pump in and out of internal ports thereof from first water and air transit chambers, water flow and air stream to generate raised water and air pressures. Two valves are disposed respectively to be moved by the water and air pressures to block or permit entry of the water flow and the air stream into second water and air transit chambers. A mixing outlet is disposed downstream of and to merge water and air outlet ports of the second water and air transit chambers to obtain an accelerated stream of the air entrained water for cleaning teeth and gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Chien-Liang Chen, Chien-Chuan Chen, I-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 6837709
    Abstract: A nozzle piece for a handpiece of a dental abrasive blasting apparatus comprises a gripping member for connection with a head portion of the handpiece whereby the gripping member has a closed surface with a thusly defined curvature on its upper and underneath visual surfaces that discharge openings of two discharge nozzles of the nozzle piece are located close to a visual plane which by definition includes a longitudinal axis of the handpiece and outside of which are located the crossing points of two supply ducts with a common central axis of the two discharge nozzles, whereby the two supply ducts extend in parallel and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece for defining an inclined discharge angle of a working jet of the nozzle piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Sierro, Lutz Beerstecher
  • Publication number: 20040248061
    Abstract: A material for modifying the optical properties of cells comprises a basic material and a modification substance distributed in the basic material at a prescribed concentration, wherein the basic material comprises a viscous fluid, a gel, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional porous substrate or a material which hardens in situ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Rainer Hahn, Klaus Irion
  • Patent number: 6824385
    Abstract: A medical syringe contains neoprene O-rings and is constructed such that its nozzle and handle can be sterilized without damaging the O-rings. A hollow aluminum handle provides a first handle opening at the bottom and a second handle opening at the top. An insert is removably inserted through the second handle opening to locate the insert at the top of the aluminum handle. An elongated metal or plastic valve body is removably inserted into the first handle opening to locate a top end of the valve body and two normally closed valves adjacent to the insert, and to locate a bottom end of the valve body at the first handle opening. The bottom end of the valve body is hose-connected to an air and a water pressurized source. Each valve includes a valve seat and a valve O-ring that is spring-biased against the valve seat. Two valve actuators in the insert selectively open the two valves by moving the valve O-rings away from the valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dentech Corporation
    Inventors: Don Bain, Dave Skipp
  • Publication number: 20040224281
    Abstract: A medical syringe contains neoprene O-rings and is constructed such that its nozzle and handle can be sterilized without damaging the O-rings. A hollow aluminum handle provides a first handle opening at the bottom and a second handle opening at the top. An insert is removably inserted through the second handle opening to locate the insert at the top of the aluminum handle. An elongated metal or plastic valve body is removably inserted into the first handle opening to locate a top end of the valve body and two normally closed valves adjacent to the insert, and to locate a bottom end of the valve body at the first handle opening. The bottom end of the valve body is hose-connected to an air and a water pressurized source. Each valve includes a valve seat and a valve O-ring that is spring-biased against the valve seat. Two valve actuators in the insert selectively open the two valves by moving the valve O-rings away from the valve seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Don Bain, Dave Skipp
  • Patent number: 6814576
    Abstract: An oral cavity cleaning device including a cleaning head having a liquid feed port and a waste port, a liquid feed passage connected to the liquid feed port through which liquid is fed, via a pump, to the cleaning head and into the oral cavity via the liquid feed port to wash the oral cavity, a waste passage connected to the waste port through which waste liquid in the oral cavity sucked and drained in the cleaning head, and a cleaning member mounted on the cleaning head covering the liquid feed port and the waste port, the cleaning member being made of a porous material having liquid-permeating property. The cleaning member is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a hole into which the cleaning head is removably inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Elemex Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Ito, Hiroshi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040219483
    Abstract: This invention creates a convenient low cost water pressure driven multi user oral cleansing device, the DentalJet with exchangeable color coded nozzle/handle which is easy to use, uses no electricity. The invention uses a faucet attachable rotating diverter, a flexible food grade pressure fitted PVC tube, interchangeable hose assembly, and the color coded exchangeable jet nozzle/handle. The faucet attachable single handle diverter also functions as a fine water volume/pressure control with a preset temperature and filter. It provides a new and convenient way to exchange nozzles for the different family members by using a pressurized flexible hose adapter. Water pressure bulges up the flexible rubber tube clamped to the adaptor and to the PVC tubing inside the handle, friction keeps the hose adapter in solid coupling while the pressure is on, color coded nozzle/handle is exchangeable when water pressure is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Zoltan Egeresi
  • Publication number: 20040209222
    Abstract: According to one broad aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed herein is a hand held oral irrigation device having a tip for dispensing fluids. In one example, an oral irrigation device includes a body portion, and a reservoir for storing fluids, wherein the body and/or the reservoir define a first major diameter at a lower end of the oral irrigation device, and define a second major diameter at an upper end of the oral irrigation device, the first major diameter being larger than the second major diameter. In this example, by providing such a geometry for the device, a user can grasp the device with one hand about the second major diameter during use. In another example, the body includes a pump for pumping fluids from the reservoir to the tip, wherein the pump includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve, the inlet valve including a reed valve made of flexible fabric material. The outlet valve may also include a reed valve made of flexible fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Clifford J. Snyder, Gary L. Sokol, Roberta L. Callaghan
  • Publication number: 20040197733
    Abstract: A multibrush tooth cleaning apparatus with a spray provides a possibility to clean the teeth with the simultaneous flushing away the plaque debris and includes a fluid inlet tubular means coupled with the sink/bath faucet and with a main controllable valve installed on a stand. The stand comprises a fluid line, at least one of a plurality of fluid channels, an appropriate at least one of the same plurality of outlet pipes coupled with an appropriate at least one of the same plurality of the auxiliary controllable valves coupled by the flexible tubes with an appropriate at least one of the same plurality of the mouthpieces (tooth brushes). The outlet pipes are appropriately extended of the fluid line, and each of the outlet pipes is rigidly connected to the appropriate auxiliary controllable valve, comprising a lever intended to close or open the auxiliary controllable valve for fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
  • Publication number: 20040197730
    Abstract: An applicator having an applicator end portion and a material end portion. The material end portion forms a container holding a material to be applied with the applicator end portion. Upon separating the material end portion from the handle portion of the applicator, a container is formed which is used to dip the applicator end portion of the applicator into. The present invention is particularly applicable to the dispensing of medicaments, and in particular, dental materials. A single dose of material is integrally formed within the applicator and sealed until ready for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon Rowe, William B. Dragan
  • Publication number: 20040191721
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilizing/disinfecting water circuits of dental units (1) comprising dental handpieces (2) and a water circuit (3) for supplying liquid from a main supply (4) through corresponding circuit legs or branches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3s). The method comprises at least the following steps: introducing a disinfectant/sterilizing liquid in the water circuit (3) for a predetermined length of time; draining the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid out of the circuit (3) through the circuit legs or branches (3a, 3b, 3c, 3s); and introducing the user liquid in the water circuit (3); the method further comprising, between the steps of introducing and draining out the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid and the user liquid, a step of introducing a fluid from an independent branch (5) in the water circuit (3) for a predetermined length of time, depending on defined parameters, in order to expel from the water circuit (3) all the remaining liquid in the water circuit (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: CASTELLINI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Castellini
  • Patent number: 6796796
    Abstract: Dental apparatus (10) comprises a disposable nosel tip (11) for a three-way syringe device (12) for spraying air or water. The nosel tip (11) comprises an assembly of two coaxial tubes (20, 21) which can be readily attached/detached from the syringe device (12), such attachment can be effected directly or via an adaptor (26) which allows the nosel tip (11) to be connected to a number of different devices. The nosel tip (11) is constructed from a plastics material which facilitates disposability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Julian Segal
  • Patent number: 6786723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical treatment instrument (1) having a media line, in particular for water or spray, extending from its rearward end to its forward end region, in which line an exchangeable filter element (21) is arranged. In order to reduce the flow resistance of the filter element (21), while providing a small cross-sectional size, the filter element (21) has the form of a sleeve and the direction of passage of the medium is directed transversely to the sleeve wall (21a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Bernhard Lingenhöle, Thomas Braun, Anton Braun
  • Patent number: 6783364
    Abstract: A water-spray tooth cleaner includes a faucet connector and a water inlet tube. The faucet connector is provided with a water canal, an assembly slot, and a locating piece slidably disposed in the assembly slot such that a through slot of the locating piece is aligned with the water canal. The through slot is provided in the inner wall with a retaining projection. The water inlet tube is provided at a connection end with an engagement end which is provided in the outer wall with a retaining groove. The connection end of the water inlet tube is detachably connected to the water canal of the faucet connector such that the retaining groove of the engagement end is detachably engaged with the retaining projection of the through slot of the locating piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Chung-Chun Juan