Single Charge Device Having Plunger-type Ejector Patents (Class 433/90)
  • Patent number: 7303392
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an efficient and inexpensive way to form dental clasps and fixed single unit temporary prostheses from molten thermoplastic resin. The apparatus and method allow a dental laboratory to make non-metallic clasps using an inexpensive handheld thermoplastic injection unit/gun that injects molten resin into a model of the clasp made from wax. A silicone putty matrix allows the resin to flow into a vacated wax model of the clasp. The time and money needed for this is much less than is needed to create such clasps using hot press equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Kris Schermerhorn, Richard E. Schermerhorn, V. Kim Kutsch, Robert J. Bowers, Jesse L. Droesch
  • Patent number: 7261559
    Abstract: A syringe delivery system for dispensing a highly viscous material through a syringe delivery opening. The system includes a syringe barrel having a delivery opening, a plunger including a threaded shaft that threadably engages the syringe barrel for selectively dispensing a viscous material through the delivery opening, and a plunger gripping member in gripping communication with the plunger that includes means for sealing the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to prevent contamination by foreign matter. According to one embodiment, a sheath may be included that covers the threaded shaft of the plunger so as to hide the plunger beneath the sheath. The sheath provides a sealed environment for the threaded shaft so as to prevent entrance or contamination by foreign matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Smith, Bruce S. McLean, Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7128246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle with a plunger, which is displaceably arranged therein. The plunger comprises a plunger body with a flat face, whereby at least two encircling sealing lips are shaped onto the plunger body. Each sealing lip has slot-shaped notches at at least one location that, as soon as the plunger is inserted into the receptacle, permit a gas exchange between the inside of the receptacle and the outside atmosphere. The invention also relates to the use of the receptacle and of the plunger for storing and discharging, in particular, dental materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Espe AG
    Inventors: Gioacchino Raia, Susanne Wegner
  • Patent number: 7128899
    Abstract: A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Tianming Chen
  • Patent number: 7118378
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for dental implant treatment includes a syringe comprising a barrel portion including a slightly bended cylinder in the area of the syringing side of the barrel and comprising a perpendicularly extended rim at its another side. Also, the improved apparatus for dental implant treatment comprises a piston member rigidly connected to the connecting rod at the syringing side and handle member extended from the connecting rod's another side. The connecting rod at the handle side portion includes the threaded portion with the outer thread appropriate to the inner thread of the controlling means of the adjustment means. The improved apparatus for dental implant treatment also includes the cover coupled with the syringing side of the barrel and a separate pipette providing suction of the patient's blood from the extracted tooth socket and injecting such blood into synthetic bone graft material located in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
  • Patent number: 7108509
    Abstract: Device for pushing away an enclosure arranged around a dental element. When filling dental elements, it is important that adjacent dental elements should come into contact with one another at a defined location. To this end, the invention proposes a tool for pushing the enclosure arranged around the dental element onto the adjacent dental element during the filling operation. In the vicinity of the free end, this tool is provided with a thickened section which has to push away an enclosure of this type. This thickened section is provided with a recess in the vicinity of the free end, approximately in the center. This recess forms an elevation in the filling material, and in this way shrinkage stresses can be guided out of the center of the filling material towards the outside, resulting in a shrinkage-free filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tandarts Praktijk P.G. Heesen B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Gerardus Heesen
  • Patent number: 7097452
    Abstract: A compule for storing dental composite material to be extruded from the compule using a standard dispenser in the preparation or repair of a dental restoration. The compule comprises: a cylindrical body having an orifice at one end thereof through which the dental composite material is extruded and a means at the opposite end thereof to facilitate the extrusion of said dental composite material using the dispenser. The body of the compule is composed of an electrically conductive plastic or alternatively may be composed of a thermally and electrically conductive plastic having a thermal conductivity in the range of between 1.0 w/mk and 500 w/mk and an electrical resistivity in the range 0.01–10,000 ohm-cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Joshua Friedman
  • Patent number: 7086861
    Abstract: A cartridge-type system having a fluid containment in the cartridge which comprises a fluid containing body which is adapted to be attached to a delivery device, the body of the cartridge including preferably electrically energizable heating means, preferably energized through a delivery device, for heating the contents of the cartridge and thus enhancing their deliverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Richard J. Pitz, Dan Vogel
  • Patent number: 7067115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and composition for bleaching teeth made up of two components blended together before each application. The method and composition offers faster results while significantly reducing the possibility of user discomfort. One of said components comprises carbamide peroxide, the other contains salts and hydroxides and/or oxides of metals belonging to the first or second group of the Periodic Table which stimulate the generation of radical oxygen. In one embodiment, the first part comprises up to 50% water by weight and optionally comprises a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the first component is substantially colorless and the second component comprises a dye indicator which discolors or loses color when exposed to radical oxygen generated by the mixing of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Scientific Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan A. Orlowski, David V. Butler
  • Patent number: 7014462
    Abstract: A method and a device for introducing a dental filling material with a synthetic resin base into a tooth cavity. The filling material has a viscosity which is lowered under the action of vibrations, such as when subjected to ultrasound. The device subjects the filling material to the action of vibrations as it is injected into the tooth cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Rainer Tilse
  • Patent number: 6991457
    Abstract: An endodontic obturator includes a body and a disposable cartridge containing gutta percha that is couplable with the body. By containing the gutta percha in a disposable cartridge, a dentist or other medical technician does not have to clean the body or other components of the obturator, thus reducing the amount of time required to clean the obturator after use. The obturator also includes a heater operable to heat the gutta percha in the disposable cartridge and a thermal barrier operable to resist the flow of heat from the heater to the rest of the body. In addition, the obturator includes a mechanism operable to generate pressure in the disposable cartridge to dispense the gutta percha. With the thermal barrier, a portion of the obturator's body that a dentist or other medical technician might hold while injecting gutta percha into a patient's tooth may be kept relatively cool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Aseptico, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn D. Kazen, Jan Wietecha
  • Patent number: 6988892
    Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, John J. Discko
  • Patent number: 6981618
    Abstract: A container assembly for a substance to be applied is provided that includes a injector housing, an application tip, and a closure cap. The application tip and the closure cap are alternatively removably securable to the outlet end of the injector housing in a substantially fluid tight disposition. A first indicia is associated with the injector housing and a second indicia is associated with each of the application tip and the closure cap. The second indicia has an identity correspondence with the first indicia such that the presence of both the first indicia on the injector housing and the second indicia on the respective one of the application tip and the closure cap secured to the outlet end of the injector housing confirms that only the appropriate application tip or the appropriate closure cap has been secured to the injector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Michael Reisinger
  • Patent number: 6899537
    Abstract: A dental cartridge (10) for dispensing a dental cartridge substance (26). The dental cartridge (10) has a dispensing region (18) which is of substantially constant internal diameter. The dispensing region (18) is at least partially curved. A deformable piston (24) is provided and arranged to pass through the curved portion of the dispensing region (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: SDI Limited
    Inventor: Joshua James Cheetham
  • Patent number: 6884071
    Abstract: A mixing capsule, especially for the production of dental materials, comprises a cartridge that is closed on one end by a piston. The piston has a hemispherical recess that forms a secondary chamber and is closed off from the main chamber of the cartridge by a separating device. A body that is provided in the initial state in the main chamber is used to facilitate the mixing process and to penetrate the separating device at the beginning of the process, whereby the main chamber and the secondary chamber form a single mixing area. The body preferably disintegrates during the mixing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: 3 M ESPE AG
    Inventor: Mathias Martin
  • Patent number: 6877983
    Abstract: A dental capsule for extruding high viscosity dental material providing reduced extrusion force. The dental capsule comprises a body portion, a transition portion and a discharge portion. The transition portion has an axis having an angular relationship with the axis of the body portion and the axis of the discharge portion. This relationship and transitional portion reduces the extrusion force required in extruding high viscosity dental material. In another embodiment of the present invention, a flexible piston having a conical front end is utilized to more fully extrude the dental material from the dental capsule. The dental capsule may have flexible walls with the flexible piston and walls cooperating to extrude substantially all of the dental material. The present invention, when used with high viscosity dental materials, results in less extrusion force required and does not damage the dental material during extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, Gordon Rowe
  • Patent number: 6869284
    Abstract: A capsule for dental restoration material capable of administering, immediately after mixing, a mixture substantially free of air bubbles to a patient site to be restored is disclosed. The capsule comprises a dental restoration material comprising two components of definite amounts of previously weighed powder component and liquid component accommodated in a cylindrical mixing compartment in an isolated state from each other, and an air-permeable filter that does not allow the powder component to exit the mixing compartment, but can ventilate air within the mixing compartment into the outside of the mixing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Aoyagi, Yoshimasa Suzuki, Masaaki Kaneko, Yoshihisa Mukasa
  • Patent number: 6848906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe for delivering flowable and/or highly viscous materials with a syringe tube, which has an outlet nozzle, a material container, which is disposed therein, a handle, which is disposed at the end of the syringe tube opposite to the outlet nozzle, and a syringe piston, which can be moved through the handle into the syringe tube. A safe operation is assured, even when larger pressures are exerted, owing to the fact that the handle is connected by means of a thread to the syringe tube and the material container has a closed lateral surface around the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andrej Albach
  • Patent number: 6843652
    Abstract: A delivery system for supplying a single dose quantity of dental impression material. The system includes a dispenser having first and second chambers sized to contain first and second components of the single dose of dental impression material. The chambers are sealed by a closure that is movable from a sealed position to permit dispensing of the components through a mixing tip. The resulting dental impression material may be applied directly to a patient's dental anatomy and/or to a dental tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Xie, Cynthia H. Kuess
  • Patent number: 6830564
    Abstract: Syringes and methods of using are described which protect the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants. A first syringe is formed with a corrugated sheath which encloses the plunger and space between the rearward end face surface of the syringe barrel handle member and the forward face of the plunger handle member. A second syringe is formed with a syringe barrel having a straight segment and a corrugated segment having the forward face of the plunger handle member molded to the rearward terminus of the corrugated segment of the syringe barrel. A third syringe is formed from mating syringe barrel and plunger member walls. The walls of the mating syringe barrel and plunger member are concentric and slide relative to each other while maintaining an enclosure around the plunger shaft. A fourth syringe is formed from inner and outer concentric syringe barrel walls mating with the walls of a plunger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Robin Scott Gray
  • Patent number: 6814794
    Abstract: Temporary dental cements used to temporarily affix a dental prosthesis or appliance to a tooth or other dental substrate includes one or more soothing agent to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. The temporary dental cement includes a mixture of an ion leaching agent, polycarboxylic acid, a soothing agent and water. The soothing agent (e.g., 2-ethoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) is added in an amount so as to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity associated with the reaction between the polycarboxylic and the ion leaching agent (base). The temporary cement composition is sufficiently hydrophilic that it can be readily removed from the tooth when it is desired to permanently restore the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Allred
  • Patent number: 6790037
    Abstract: A viscous material dispenser for applying a viscous dental material from a capule, cartridge or capsule. The dispenser includes a locking mechanism mounted on the syringe type dispenser to securely retain the capule, cartridge or capsule within the syringe type dispenser while the viscous material is being applied from the syringe type dispenser. The locking mechanism can be positioned so that it rotates around and over the outer circumference of the dispensing barrel of the syringe type dispenser. The locking mechanism can be rotated to an open position where a capule, capsule or cartridge can be inserted or removed from the syringe type dispenser. After a capule, cartridge or capsule is inserted within the syringe barrel, the locking mechanism can be rotated to a closed position where the capule, cartridge or capsule is locked and retained in place for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Confi-Dental Products Co.
    Inventor: Mike Orecchia
  • Patent number: 6786724
    Abstract: An intra-oral molding compound ejection tip is provided to provide a substantially uniform expanding solid angle of the mixed molding compound upon molding compound ejection. A prior art intra-oral tip typically includes an ejection orifice defined about an axis parallel to the direction of mold compound ejection. In a preferred embodiment, two cuts are placed in the tip at right angles to one another within the plane of the normal axis of molding compound ejection. Each of these cuts is sized with respect to the ejection orifice to produce a uniformly expanding solid angle of the ejected molding compound. This uniformly expanding solid angle of the ejected molding compound has the property of having higher normal incidence to both preparation and margin to the preparation in teeth having dental surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: William K. Kwong
  • Patent number: 6780012
    Abstract: An article includes a polymer coating extending over a region of an exterior surface of the article and a laser engraved identification mark formed within the coating. The polymer coating has a color that contrasts with the color of the exterior surface, resulting in an identification that is distinct and easy to read. Optionally, the laser engraved identification mark represents species data pertaining to the article while the polymer coating can be used to create a second identification mark that represents genus data pertaining to the article, consequently facilitating visual differentiation of various articles by the consumer while also reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dale D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040152042
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of periodontal disease includes a handle that has a configuration familiar to dental professionals, and a cartridge, that is locked into the handle when use, typically delivery of a composition to a periodontal pocket is desired. The cartridge provides for effective delivery of compositions, such as agents, as its tip is deformable, typically from a circular to an oval shape so as to flatten. The deformation may be made, either manually, by the dental professional, or upon contact with teeth or other tissues, whereby this flattened tip can penetrate deeply into periodontal pockets for quick and direct application of the composition, for example, therapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Lawter, Michael G. Lanzilotti, Mark Bates, Gregory H. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20040152041
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of extruding dental material from a capsule-like cartridge, by providing a capsule-like cartridge having an elongated body and a nozzle. The elongated body has an inner chamber wall enclosing dental material. The nozzle has an inner channel wall, and a channel wall exit orifice rim. The inner chamber wall has a chamber wall exit port rim, opening between the inner chamber wall and the inner channel wall. The chamber wall exit port rim has a chamber wall exit port rim effective diameter D1. The inner channel wall has an inner channel wall effective diameter D2. The inner channel wall effective diameter D2 effectively is greater than the chamber wall exit port rim effective diameter D1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Curt E. Metzbower
  • Publication number: 20040126733
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a dental device for the placement or dental materials, and more particularly to a dental syringe device having an improved barrel front end portion for the extrusion of dental cartridges containing dental materials. A rod in the barrel front is forced against the cartridge is arranged in the device maintaining the cartridge in position during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jorn Ronvig
  • Patent number: 6746664
    Abstract: Dental bleaching systems that include a bleaching component and a neutralizing component which, when mixed together, yield a mixed composition having a desired bleaching activity and gel properties. The bleaching composition includes a suitable bleaching agent, such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in a concentration of about 3% to about 95% by weight of the bleaching composition component. The neutralizing component includes a strong particulate base mixed with a polymeric thickening agent. The neutralizing component is substantially water-free to prevent destruction of the gelling capability of the thickening agent by the base prior to formation of the mixed composition. The particulate base may include oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Maintaining the bleaching agent and neutralizing agent in separate components provides increased stability of both the bleaching agent and gelling (thickening) agent during storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Allred
  • Publication number: 20040086830
    Abstract: Temporary dental cements used to temporarily affix a dental prosthesis or appliance to a tooth or other dental substrate includes one or more soothing agent to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. The temporary dental cement includes a mixture of an ion leaching agent, polycarboxylic acid, a soothing agent and water. The soothing agent (e.g., 2-ethoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) is added in an amount so as to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity associated with the reaction between the polycarboxylic and the ion leaching agent (base). The temporary cement composition is sufficiently hydrophilic that it can be readily removed from the tooth when it is desired to permanently restore the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Peter M. Allred
  • Patent number: 6719734
    Abstract: A new and improved anesthetic delivery tool and method of using the tool in transmucosal absorption applications of a gel topical anesthetic agent and in subdermal injections of a liquid anesthetic agent is disclosed. The anesthetic delivery tool comprises a housing unit having a hollow central cavity with a slip plate containing a plurality of needles directed towards the front end of the housing unit. The slip plate and the front portion of the hollow central cavity defining a front-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective aliquot of gel topical anesthetic agent. The anesthetic delivery tool also comprises a thin membrane positioned directly behind the slip plane and a push plate positioned at the rear end of the housing unit. The push plate, the thin membrane and the rear portion of the hollow central cavity defining a rear-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective amount of liquid anesthetic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Willie E. Harkless
  • Publication number: 20040063063
    Abstract: A dental cartridge (10) comprising a container portion (14) and a nozzle (12). The container portion (14) includes an aperture (34) having a first end (38) adjacent the interior of the container portion (14) and a second end (36) adjacent the exterior of the container portion (14). The nozzle (12) is received within the second end (36) of the aperture (34) and the first end (38) of the aperture (34) is arranged to prevent the nozzle (12) passing therethrough. The nozzle (12) is then fixed within the aperture (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Joshua James Cheetham, Paul James Farrar
  • Publication number: 20040038174
    Abstract: The specification describes an applicator for the treatment of teeth with small amounts of dental materials, such as polymerizable sealants and adhesives, prophylactic treatment materials and the like. The applicator is in the form of a disposable tube having an applicator brush at one end. The tube is fitted to an applicator head that facilitates drawing an amount of the material into the tube and the selected filling of the brush. The applicator may include an elongated member having an applicator head that contains a chamber enclosing a similarly-shaped resilient member. A closure fits over the end of the applicator head and serves to close off the base of the chamber and seal the peripheral edge of the resilient member to prevent leakage. The closure is provided with a smaller chamber which communicates with a channel extending out through the closure and adapted to receive the disposable tube. The channel is positioned at an angle to the main body of the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: DENTSPLY Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Cornelis Pameijer, Steven R. Jefferies, Kenneth S. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040029072
    Abstract: Device for pushing away an oriclosure arranged around a dental element. When filling dental elements, it is important that adjacent dental elements should c me into contact with one another at a defined location. To this end, the invention proposes a tool for pushing the enclosure arranged around the dental element onto the adjacent dental element during the filling operation. In the vicinity of the free end, this tool is provided with a thickened section which has to push away an enclosure of this type. This thickened section is provided with a recess in the vicinity of the free end, approximately in the centre. This recess forms an elevation in the filling material, and in this way shrinkage stresses can be guided ut of the centre of the filling material towards the outside, resulting in a shrinkage-free filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Petrus Geradus Heesen
  • Patent number: 6682347
    Abstract: There is provided a capsule for dental restoration material, which can administer to a site to be restored of a patient with a mixture in a good state where air bubbles are not substantially contained, immediately after mixing. In the capsule for dental restoration material for directly administering to a restoration site of a tooth with the mixture prepared by subjecting a dental restoration material comprising two components of definite amounts of previously weighed powder component and liquid component accommodated in a cylindrical mixing compartment in an isolated state from each other to making the liquid component flow into the mixing compartment and mixing the both components, an air-permeable filter that does not pass the powder component therethrough but can ventilate air within the mixing compartment into the outside of the mixing compartment is placed in at least a part of a peripheral wall of the mixing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Aoyagi, Yoshimasa Suzuki, Masaaki Kaneko, Yoshihisa Mukasa
  • Patent number: 6682348
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of periodontal disease includes a handle that has a configuration familiar to dental professionals, and a cartridge, that is locked into the handle when use, typically delivery of a composition to a periodontal pocket is desired. The cartridge provides for effective delivery of compositions, such as agents, as its tip is deformable, typically from a circular to an oval shape so as to flatten. The deformation may be made, either manually, by the dental professional, or upon contact with teeth or other tissues, whereby this flattened tip can penetrate deeply into periodontal pockets for quick and direct application of the composition, for example, therapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: OraPharma, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lawter, Michael G. Lanzilotti, Mark Bates, Gregory H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6676408
    Abstract: A viscous material dispensing system 100 utilizes pressurized gas directed to one end of a piston 109 and cylinder 103 assembly to extrude impression material 128, 129 from a dispenser 121 through a tube 133 into a dental tray 135 which hardens to form a mold of the patient's mouth. The movement of the piston 109 is controlled by switches 147, 149 which control gas valves 143, 145 which direct the pressurized gas to either side of the piston 109. A timer 141 is built into the material dispensing system to monitor the working time and the set time of the impression material 128, 129 after it has been injected into the dental tray 135.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: MicroDental Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Bushnell, Sheri Gillett, Andras Hites, George Hites
  • Patent number: 6641394
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the application of materials to an interior space of a tooth, such as the extirpated pulp chamber and/or root canals of the tooth subsequent to root canal surgery. The device has one or more syringe-like pistons and associated chambers for drawing a vacuum within an extirpated pulp chamber and applying cleansing, sealing, and/or filler materials into the tooth under continued vacuum pressure to ensure complete and thorough application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Gary T. Garman
  • Patent number: 6638065
    Abstract: A syringe system for delivering a dental material comprises a barrel configured for containing the material, a plunger configured for extruding the material, a divider configured for sectionalizing the material while it is being extruded, and a tool configured for detachment of the divider. The divider comprises at least one cutting plate that is affixed to the barrel and the tool comprises at least one recess configured for engaging the at least one cutting plate when the tool is inserted within the barrel, such as in a press fit arrangement. When the tool is axially rotated relative to the barrel, the at least one cutting plate can be effectively sheared away from the barrel. The tool may comprise a cap that is configured for sealably closing the syringe or a tool separate from the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Fischer, Bruce S. McLean
  • Publication number: 20030198918
    Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, John J. Discko
  • Publication number: 20030186191
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of periodontal disease includes a handle that has a configuration familiar to dental professionals, and a cartridge, that is locked into the handle when use, typically delivery of a composition to a periodontal pocket is desired. The cartridge provides for effective delivery of compositions, such as agents, as its tip is deformable, typically from a circular to an oval shape so as to flatten. The deformation may be made, either manually, by the dental professional, or upon contact with teeth or other tissues, whereby this flattened tip can penetrate deeply into periodontal pockets for quick and direct application of the composition, for example, therapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: OraPharma, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lawter, Michael G. Lanzilotti, Mark Bates, Gregory H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6616448
    Abstract: A dispenser for controllably heating a compule of dental material removably inserted in the dispenser and for extruding dental material from the compule. The dispenser includes an elongated tubular barrel having a substantially semi-cylindrical front end to accommodate the body of the compule, a cavity at the front end of the dispenser open to the atmosphere and a slot disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the for accommodating an end flange of the compule when the compule is inserted into the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a plunger reciprocally mounted in the tubular barrel in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cavity for engaging the compule to express dental material from said compule by means of a motorized assembly or manual control under the control of the operator and a heating unit disposed in the cavity at the front end of the dispenser for heating the compule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joshua Friedman
  • Publication number: 20030165793
    Abstract: The invention provides for a delivery system where a viscous material such as dental composite is heated by an induction field or by resistance to an electric current. The system comprises at the proximal end a capsule-like cartridge that is self heating. The capsule may be fabricated of any number of heat conducting polymers or doped polymers that are susceptible to induction fields or any material that will heat when an induction current is applied. In the second instance the capsules may have a resistance wire of the appropriate metal or any other material to allow heating of the capsule when a current is applied. In the third instance the capsule may have an induction coil embedded in it's wall combined with any type of metal or other material where this becomes the heating device when current of the appropriate nature is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Dan Yobel, Richard Pitz
  • Patent number: 6612465
    Abstract: A multi-component, mixing, storage and dispensing package (10) has a housing 11, a displaceable cavity block (20) having at least one cavity (21) therein. A vent spike block (40) having at least one spike (42) held in an opposing relation to at least one cavity (21) is provided within the housing (11). When cavity block (21) is caused to move toward the vent spike block (40) spike (42) is caused to enter a cavity (21). A vent (43) is in fluid communication through the spike (42) with a mix channel (51) and a mixing and dispensing tip (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Paul R. Pierson, Paul D. Hammesfahr
  • Patent number: 6595776
    Abstract: An applicator system (2) which includes a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post (4) or anchor in its non-polymerized form including a resinous matrix and fibers, i.e., a prepreg (4); and an applicator tube (8). The inner diameter (dT) of the tube (8) is essentially the same or slightly larger than the outer diameter (DP/A) of the FRC post (4) in its non-polymerized form. The outer diameter (DT) end of the tube through which the FRC post is applied is essentially the same or slightly smaller that the coronal opening of the canal (6). The applicator system (2) may be used to prepare permanent or temporary root canal (6) posts, to make a tooth canal (6) filling and to make a post and/or anchorage system that forms a continuous FRC structure from the apex of the tooth to the coronal part of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Stick Tech Oy
    Inventors: Ilkka Kangasniemi, Pekka Vallittu
  • Patent number: 6585511
    Abstract: A dental nozzle, cartridge, capsule or container having a porous or foam flow through applicator connected at the discharge end thereof; and having a body portion containing or receiving a low viscosity dental material. In one form, a displaceable plunger or piston is disposed within the body portion to extrude the dental material through the discharge orifice and attached flow through applicator. The foam or porous applicator may be connected to the discharge end at the time of manufacture as by molding, or by mechanically connecting or by adhering the same to the discharge orifice as part of the assembly process. The flow through applicator may be made in a variety of shapes to provide improved and controlled application of a low viscosity dental material to a dental site. Additionally, the porosity of the porous or foam material may be matched to the viscosity of the dental material to control the flow of dental material therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dragan, John J. Discko
  • Publication number: 20030096212
    Abstract: A dental cartridge (10) for dispensing a dental cartridge substance (26). The dental cartridge (10) has a dispensing region (18) which is of substantially constant internal diameter. The dispensing region (18) is at least partially curved. A deformable piston (24) is provided and arranged to pass through the curved portion of the dispensing region (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Joshua James Cheetham
  • Patent number: 6561804
    Abstract: A receptacle for a filling material is disclosed, which is provided with a plunger which consists, at least in part, of a deformable material on a portion of the plunger which faces the nozzle. In one embodiment, the plunger disclosed can be a double plunger (a two-part plunger) displaceable axially into a defined end position in the direction of the nozzle, the deformable portion of which penetrates into the outlet channel of the nozzle, forcing out the dental filling material located there. It is preferred that the volume of deformable material of the nozzle penetrating into the nozzle is no greater than the volume of the nozzle through which the filling material passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Adam Both, Ulrich Kläres, Ralf Luckau
  • Patent number: 6554803
    Abstract: An improved assembly of a syringe and a nozzle tip for aspirating marrow blood from a surgical site and a method for using this improved syringe. The syringe includes a nozzle tip of special construction which has a sleeve portion, which fits on the free end of the barrel of the syringe, and a curved aspirating nozzle end. The nozzle tip includes a filter screen of preselected mesh size. A sufficient amount of marrow blood is aspirated through the curved aspirating nozzle end and the filter screen of the nozzle tip, thereby moving a preselected amount of marrow blood into the barrel of the syringe. The aspirated marrow blood then mixes with the granules of bone regeneration material disposed in the barrel of the syringe to form a viscous fluid mixture therein. The excess marrow blood, if any, is expelled through the curved aspirating nozzle end by applying a moderate manual pressure to the plunger of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur Ashman
  • Patent number: 6550957
    Abstract: A kneading device adapted for preparing calcium phosphate-based cement and for applying the cement directly to a required site which comprises a cylinder 1 which includes a hollow cylindrical body portion 11 and a nozzle 12 formed at the distal end of the cylindrical body portion; a plug 2 having an axial through-hole 21 slidably disposed within the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion; a piston assembly 3 which includes a shaft 31 extending through the through-hole 21 of the plug 2 for axial and rotatable movement, a kneading element 32 at the distal end of the shaft 31 within the cylindrical body portion, and a handle 34 formed at the proximal end of the shaft 31 external of the cylindrical body portion; a cover member 4 attached to and forming a closure for the nozzle 12; and a stop member 5 for locating the plug 2 in position at the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Mizutani, Takenori Sawamura, Masateru Hattori, Masahiko Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20030069544
    Abstract: A syringe, for injecting anesthetic contained in a medicine vial. The syringe includes a housing having a needle end and a plunger end, connected by a body; to which housing is attached a plunger assembly having a plunger at the plunger end. There is a vial slot in the housing, cooperatively sized for receiving a medicine vial. A needle assembly slot is in the body, at the needle end, for receiving a needle assembly from a side of the body. A seat at the needle end of the housing receives and locates a corresponding seat portion of the needle assembly within the housing. Depressing the plunger housingward impales the vial onto a penetrator of the needle assembly and seats the assembly firmly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander E. Lee