Mouth Patents (Class 600/237)
  • Patent number: 11963903
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage, or improving sleep quality. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting portions of the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The upper and lower members include molar and pre-molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the upper left and lower left extensions. The upper member includes a palate extension that extends posteriorly from the upper member in the region of the upper incisors, which introduces a tongue resting spot to compensate for the lowering of the mandible and restoring the proper tongue posture while sleeping. The oral devices may be produced by additive or subtractive manufacturing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: Wayne R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 11712390
    Abstract: An oral rehabilitation device for rehabilitating the oral cavity of a user includes a device body, a first activating member, an upper-jaw member, a lower-jaw member, and a processing unit. The first activating member is disposed on an end of the device body. The upper-jaw member and the lower-jaw member are connected to the same end of the device body and are for contacting an upper jaw and lower jaw of the user, respectively. The processing unit is coupled to the first activating member and is used to control the first activating member to drive one of the upper-jaw member and the lower jaw member to open or close relative to the other of the upper-jaw member and the lower-jaw member, such that the upper jaw and the lower jaw can be rehabilitated. The present invention further discloses a medical treatment system to which the oral rehabilitation device is linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CHANGHUA CHRISTIAN MEDICAL FOUNDATION CHANGHUA CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Mu-Kuan Chen, Gene Chen, Po-Te Lin, Chih-Hua Chen, Ming-Yu Hsieh, Mei-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 10070848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracavity system and method for illuminating a surgical site within a body cavity to be used with a stationary surgical device. The system comprises at least one light source comprising a light-emitting diode configured and operable to emit illumination light into the body cavity. The light-emitting diode is mounted on a coupling assembly for securing the light-emitting diode to an external surface of the stationary surgical device to permit selectively fastening the light source to any desired location along the stationary surgical device and repositioning thereof. Each of the at least one light source is connected via a wire to a handheld self-contained electrical power supply unit. The wire is configured to transmit power supply energy from the power supply unit to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Omri Emodi
  • Patent number: 9233221
    Abstract: A bite block and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The bite block may be configured to encompass a tube such as an endotracheal tube, and to protect the mouth of an intubated patient from clenching damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HAIDER BIOLOGICS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas T. Haider, Gustavo R. Prado
  • Patent number: 8864661
    Abstract: A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Steven M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8820320
    Abstract: Bite blocks providing an instrument lumen 62 for use during transoral medical procedures may be made from a material having a Shore D hardness less than 60 for improved patient comfort. An air way lumen 64 may be provide in side by side arrangement to the instrument lumen 62 for maintaining the patient's airway. The air way 70 may have a concave guiding channel 72 for helping to guide the instruments down the esophagus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Creighton University
    Inventors: Charles J. Filipi, Michael L. Hadley
  • Publication number: 20140120494
    Abstract: A head frame apparatus is secured to a human head during maxillofacial surgery and includes devices to easily position and secure an endotracheal (breathing) tube and an anesthesia delivery circuit for the patient that reduces the likelihood that the flow of oxygen through the tube is restricted thereby reducing the risk of severe injury or death. The head frame apparatus also includes a removable reference indicator, which may be easily attached and removed while identifying a reference point of the patient's face. Also the reference indicator includes a universal joint and pointer with an attached ruler. A transport apparatus positions multiple preset reference indicators and allows for preoperative transportation and removal, while protecting the preset reference indicators from inadvertent adjustment. A bendable reference indicator used in an articulator for preoperative modeling allows for easily identifying reference points in a cast model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Chin
  • Patent number: 8684919
    Abstract: Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Anca, Faiz Bohra, Darla Gill, Trent Clegg, Jeremy W. Snow
  • Patent number: 8555891
    Abstract: Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Sharkawy, Koray Sahin, Adrian McVicker, Jon F. Moss, Casidy Domingo, Nikhil D. Bhat, Christopher Bagley, Anant V. Hegde, John M. Farbarik, George Y. Choi, Kasey Kai-Chi Li
  • Patent number: 8408213
    Abstract: The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Linguaflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ira Sanders
  • Patent number: 8297972
    Abstract: A combination retractor includes an operational unit, a neck region and a handle region. The operational unit further includes a tongue retractor and a flap retractor. The tongue retractor may be concave to provide for a natural area to encapsulate the tongue. The tongue and flap retractors may also be provided as part of a continuous planar extension of the operational unit or may be disposed on different planes. The flap retractor may be formed of a tapered extended edge or tab, which can be made in various lengths and include a beveled edge. A suction mechanism may be added for eliminating fluids. The neck region may contain an S-shaped bend or lateral bends for better operative functionality and ergonomics. The proximal end of the handle region, opposite the operational unit, may further include any useful apparatus, such as a periosteal elevator or periosteal retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Manuel Barry Gordon
    Inventors: Manuel Barry Gordon, Matthew Gordon
  • Patent number: 8267970
    Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided for spinal augmentation. In particular, the device can includes a connector element having a superior portion and an inferior portion that is adapted to support adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae and a first superior seating member and a second superior seating member associated with the connector element. The first seating member can be adapted to receive a portion of a lamina of the superior vertebra and the second seating member can be adapted to receive a portion of the lamina of the inferior vertebra. The device can have a variety of configurations, including the connector element and the first and second seating members being unitary and the first and second seating members being separately secured to the connector element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan A. Serhan, Michael A. Slivka
  • Patent number: 8221316
    Abstract: A combination suction retraction instrument for surgery is disclosed. The suction retraction instrument includes a retractor including a body, a suction nozzle secured to a distal end of the body, and means for retaining a suction tube adjacent the retractor. The suction tube is connected to a vacuum source for removing fluids and debris from a surgical site. The means for retaining the suction tube is secured to the body. The means for retaining the suction tube is structured to allow the suction tube to slide within the means for retaining the suction tube upon manual pulling of the suction tube by a surgeon. A proximal end of the suction nozzle is dimensioned to engage a distal end of the suction tube in a sealing relationship thereby providing a suction flow path from an opening of the suction nozzle into the suction tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. DeGould
  • Patent number: 8220467
    Abstract: The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Linguaflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ira Sanders
  • Patent number: 8137268
    Abstract: A method for holding a hollow internal organ in a desired location during a medical procedure uses a retractor device and a gripper element, each of which includes a magnetic member, one being a first magnet and the other being either a second magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. The retractor device is placed into the lumen of the organ and the gripper element is located outside the body cavity of the patient. The magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device are brought into proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ and a body wall of the patient between them, with the gripper element being held at a location that secures the organ at the desired location. In another embodiment, the gripper element is placed inside the body cavity of the patient and outside the organ, with the magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device in proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Van Lue Veterinary Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. Van Lue
  • Patent number: 8074655
    Abstract: Methods and devices to prevent and/or treat breathing disorders (e.g., upper airways disorders) in mammals related to impaired airflow are described. Methods and devices apply force to soft tissue that avoids obstruction of airflow in the mammel's airway. Breathing disorders that are avoided by the methods and/or devices include apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Linguaflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ira Sanders
  • Publication number: 20110230727
    Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Linguaflex , Inc.
    Inventors: Ira Sanders, Cliff Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7988626
    Abstract: A lip and cheek expander for use when performing dental medicine, dental hygiene or dental-documenting activities has two tensioning frames (1, 2) and non-profiled film-like means (3) connecting the tensioning frames (1, 2). When the expander is fitted, the inner tensioning frame (1) inside the oral cavity and the outer tensioning frame outside lies against the lips and cheeks. The film-like means (3) are connected at one end to the inner tensioning frame (1) and at the other end to the outer tensioning frame (2). The film-like means (3) oppose forces (5) to the closure and contraction forces of the lips and cheek muscles and conduct them away onto the tensioning frames (1, 2). The mouth opening is thereby kept open and the lips and cheeks held back from the rows of teeth. A closing of the mouth is also possible when the lip and cheek expander is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventor: Domonkos Horvath
  • Patent number: 7887483
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a safe surgical mouth gag (MG) having a substantially planar frame larger than the maximal mouth aperture which is defined by at least two cross members, i.e., a longitudinal maxillary cross member and a mandibular cross member and by at least one rod connecting said maxillary and said mandibular cross members; and modules maneuverably interconnected to the same. The modules are selected from a tongue blade approximately perpendicular to the frames' plane, which is vertically displaceable with respect to said mandibular cross member; a retaining member within which said tongue blade shaft is slidably displaceable; retraction elements for urging the cheeks away from the oral cavity; abutment members for contacting the upper teeth or upper maxilla; and at least one light auxiliary located adjacent to oral cavity, adapted to illuminate the same effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: 4-MED Ltd.
    Inventor: Lior Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7785105
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a dry field during dental procedures includes a U-shaped tongue shield for holding the patient's tongue in a retracted position. Cheek distention arms extend laterally outward and forward from the tongue shield to distend the cheek away from the teeth. Lip retractors extend from the cheek distention arms in an arcuate shape above and below the cheek distention arms. Webbing extends between the lip retractors and cheek distention arms to support the soft tissue within the patient's mouth distal to the orbicularis oris muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Ross William Anderson
  • Patent number: 7766008
    Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne J. Manishen
  • Publication number: 20100160739
    Abstract: A method for holding a hollow internal organ in a desired location during a medical procedure uses a retractor device and a gripper element, each of which includes a magnetic member, one being a first magnet and the other being either a second magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. The retractor device is placed into the lumen of the organ and the gripper element is located outside the body cavity of the patient. The magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device are brought into proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ and a body wall of the patient between them, with the gripper element being held at a location that secures the organ at the desired location. In another embodiment, the gripper element is placed inside the body cavity of the patient and outside the organ, with the magnetic members of the gripper element and the retractor device in proximity with each other to capture a wall of the hollow organ between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen J. Van Lue
  • Patent number: 7607917
    Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member supporting a pair of retracting elements to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth, with a light source housed in the supporting member. An optical device for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source inside the mouth extends along the supporting member and/or along the retracting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Cefla Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventors: Tommaso Virnicchi, Eros Nanni
  • Patent number: 7458377
    Abstract: A method is provided for relief of head, face and jaw pain by achieving the release of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction. The steps include locating intra oral treatment points, including locations of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction, in the mouth and jaw region of a human subject. A handheld device is provided with a central gripping portion, a first generally arcuate arm extending from one end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally bulbous tip, and a second generally arcuate arm extending from the other end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally flattened tip. The subject's mouth is opened sufficiently to pass one of the tips into the mouth. One of the tips is inserted in the subject's mouth and the tip is brought into contact with one of the treatment points. Pressure is applied to the treatment point until a release response occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: TMJ Pain Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Gail Falzon
  • Patent number: 7458932
    Abstract: A tongue stabilizer includes a tongue-engaging plate that is held on a laryngoscope blade by pressure sensitive adhesive, with a foam strip in-between to compensate for any irregularities between the tongue-engaging plate and the laryngoscope blade. The tongue-engaging plate is cup shape to cradle the tongue to prevent the tongue from interfering with the visibility and process of intubation. A protective strip can be used to cover the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: William Y. Sun
  • Publication number: 20080096165
    Abstract: A cheek and lip retractor is defined by a supporting member (4) supporting a pair of retracting elements (2) to be inserted at least partially in a patient's mouth (3), by a light source (11) fixed to the supporting member (4), and by an optical device (17) for the transmission of the light emitted from the light source (11) inside the mouth (3); the optical device (17) extending wholly along the supporting member (4) and/or the retracting elements (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: CEFLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Tommaso Virnicchi, Eros Nanni
  • Publication number: 20070225570
    Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Wayne J. Manishen
  • Patent number: 7238145
    Abstract: An oral exercise device that is portable, that has adjustable resistance and that allows the tongue to perform isotonic exercises in an environment that closely approximates the natural configuration of the tongue and the mouth to improve disorders of speech and swallowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jo Anne Robbins, Jacqueline A. Hind, Angela L. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 7077652
    Abstract: The cheek and lip retractor for dentistry comprises respective cheek portions and lip portions for the upper and lower lip, the lip portions comprising a lip shield and mucous pads which are separate and spaced apart from the lip shield, the cheek portions and lip portions being connected to each other by flexible connecting elements, and the connecting elements being disposed between the lip shield and the mucous pad. Such a retractor allows a largely free treatment of the tooth portions to be treated and provides a comfortable fit for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: KerrHawe SA
    Inventors: Beat Kilcher, Anthony Quarry
  • Patent number: 6923761
    Abstract: Retractors discussed herein include lip retractors that have four channel retainers to retain four portions of the lips. The four channel retainers are attached to four resilient members, which are adapted to bias the four channel retainers outwardly away from one another, which in turn retract the portions of the lips that are retained by the four channel retainers to expose the teeth and/or mouth. Optionally, the retractors may be equipped with a tongue retainer. If equipped, the tongue retainer is adapted to limit the tongue to further expose the backside of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Discus Dental Impressions, Inc.
    Inventor: William Dorfman
  • Patent number: 6916287
    Abstract: To assess the sensitivity of a subject's pharynx, an open mouthpiece (1) fitted with a thin guide tube (2), having an articulated end (4), is inserted into the subject's mouth. A pipe (9) is inserted into the guide tube, under visual observation through the mouthpiece, until it touches the subject's palate. The position on a measurement scale (11) provided on the pipe facing a second end of the guide tube is noted, and the pipe is withdrawn over a preset distance, for example 1 cm, and fixed in this position onto the guide tube. A variable gas flow is injected into the pipe and reaches the pharyngeal mucous situated facing the pipe. The sensitivity of the subject's pharynx, measured by the threshold of sense perception, is determined by the lowest flow value perceived by the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Universite Joseph Fourier
    Inventors: Maurice Dematteis, Jean-Louis Pepin, Patrick Levy
  • Patent number: 6805127
    Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose intra-oral device made of a fastener, a first mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the first mouthguard has a first mouthguard base engaging a top tooth, a first mouthguard buccal surface, a first mouthguard lingual surface and a first mouthguard occlusal surface, a second mouthguard connected to the fastener, wherein the second mouthguard has a second mouthguard base to engage a bottom tooth, a second mouthguard buccal side, a second mouthguard lingual side and a second mouthguard occlusal surface, at least one first tube connected to one of the mouthguards surface, and at least one first post connected to the other of the mouthguard surface for engaging the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Lee Karasic
  • Publication number: 20040097795
    Abstract: A lip and cheek expander for use when performing, dental medicine, dental hygiene or dental-documenting activities comprises two tensioning frames (1, 2) and non-profiled film-like means (3) connecting the tensioning frames (1, 2). In the fitted condition of the expander, inside the oral cavity the inner tensioning frame (1) and on the outside the outer tensioning frame rests against the lips and cheeks. The film-like means (3) are connected at one end to the inner tensioning frame (1) and at the other end to the outer tensioning frame (2). The film-like means (3) oppose forces (5) to the closure and contraction forces of the lips and cheek muscles and dissipates them to the tensioning frames (1, 2). The mouth opening is thereby kept open and the lips and cheeks are kept away from the rows of teeth. A closing of the mouth is also possible when the lip and cheek expander is fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Domonkos Horvath
  • Patent number: 6702739
    Abstract: A holder for holding parts of a body, structure or assembly spaced apart during operations carried out on the body, structure or assembly, the retractor comprising a body made of wire and having a resilient hinge portion at a vertex of the body and at least two arms outwardly extending from the hinge portion, each arm having a distal portion including anchoring tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Levisman
  • Patent number: 6575749
    Abstract: A dental tool composed of molded plastic for gingival retraction includes an elongate handle and a horseshoe-shaped guard at an operative end of the handle. The guard includes a pair of downward extending elongate legs and a curved neck interconnects the handle and the guard. A wedge extends rearwardly from a top portion of the guard such that the legs of the guard lie along the surface of a tooth when the wedge is inserted between the gingiva and the root of the tooth at the gingival margin. The gingiva is captured between the wedge and the neck portion when the gingiva is in the retracted position. The legs include forward extending surfaces to form a shield between the area of treatment, interproximal gingival tissue, and the laterally adjacent teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Paul D. Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20030088158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expander for the oral cavity's rehabilitation ' and more particularly to a kind of elastic clip having one adjusting end and one occlusive end thereat, wherein a screw is pivoted onto the upper brace of the said adjusting end, and then one end of the screw is pushed through a lower brace, while a nut is screwed onto the said screw at the portion in-between the upper and lower braces, or alternatively, having a spring and a nut be mounted successively onto the said screw after it has been pushed through the said lower brace, and therefore it would be applicable to do the necessary exercise with different extent in opening her or his mouth and muscular force while an user is adjusting both the opening distance and also the elastic tension of the occlusive end positioned at the other end of the said elastic clip, by means of adjusting each nut, and thus while a patient is biting at the said occlusive end of the said elastic clip, the patient would be able to achieve with a pro
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Feng Chien
  • Patent number: 6517549
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mouthpiece assembly for establishing a protected airway for a patient. The mouthpiece assembly comprises a generally elliptical tubular bite block having a generally elliptical passageway formed therethrough. The mouthpiece assembly further comprises a generally elliptical front shield attached to the front end of the tubular bite block portion. The front shield has a central opening in communication with the passageway for receiving medical instruments therethrough and a strap opening adjacent each of the opposing edge portions. At least a portion of the front shield is curved rearward and is flexible to allow the at least a portion of the front shield to conform to the patient's facial structure. The mouthpiece assembly also comprises a tongue depressing member extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rearward end of the bottom wall of the tubular bite block, and a resilient cushioning sleeve formed around at least a portion of the tubular bite block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Core Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Dennis
  • Patent number: 6322501
    Abstract: A stabilizer for retractors employed in tonsillectomies includes a first longitudinal member secured to an operating table in an adjustable, substantially upright position; a second elongated member secured to the first elongated member adjacent an end thereof remote from the operating table at an adjustable angle relative to the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member having a plurality of notches spaced therealong to enable selection of one of the plurality of notches to receive an end of a retractor remote from a patient lying on the operating table; and an arrangement associated with both the first and second elongated members to enable adjustment of the adjustable angle to thereby enable the surgeon to manipulate the retractor and the head of the patient to place the head of the patient in a desired position to enable removal of the tonsils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Patricia C. Fernot
  • Publication number: 20010034474
    Abstract: A tongue lifting tool and method for using such tool are provided. The tool has a tongue holder for supporting a patient's tongue and a holding portion coupled to the tongue holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce P. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6168601
    Abstract: A device for distracting a temporomandibular joint and repositioning an antetiorly dislocated disc in a patient comprises upper and lower elongated members coupled together by a pivotal, slidable and releasable coupling. This versatile coupling is accomplished by providing the upper member with a longitudinally extending cavity and the lower member with a roller configured for translation within the cavity. Each member includes a handle at one end and an opposite distal tip configured for engaging posterior teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The lower member includes a clamp for adjustably securing the patient's mandible to the lower member. A method of using the device comprises positioning the device in the patient's mouth so that the distal tips are seated on upper and lower posterior teeth of the patent, squeezing the handles together to distract the joint, and sliding the lower member anteriorly (toward the opening of the mouth) relative to the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Giuseppe Martini
  • Patent number: 6080105
    Abstract: An illuminated retractor provides a handle and a blade, the blade having a forward portion composed of a light transmissive material. The forward portion blade of the extends from handle and is formed suitably for retraction of body tissue adjacent to a body cavity to be illuminated. The handle is manually grippable and houses an electrical power source which powers a lamp mounted in blade. The forward portion of the blade is formed of a light transmissive material in optical communication with the lamp and is formed for the emission of an unfocused and diffused light for general illumination of the cavity. A surface region of the blade body may be frosted or ground so as to widely diffuse light emitted from lamp, thereby illuminating a wide area of a body cavity. A plurality of interchangeable blades of diverse shapes includes a perio-ostial elevator tip and a dental cheek retractor. A blank blade is provided which can easily be customized into a variety of shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Robert A. Spears
  • Patent number: 6030217
    Abstract: A jaw retention device operative for use by a dental patient to urge the patient's lower jaw into an open position thereby relieving stress on the jaw muscles during dental procedures. The device includes a hand held object connected by an elongated flexible member to a mouth piece. The mouth piece is preferably constructed of a plastic material having sufficient flexibility to permit the mouth piece to bend and release from the lower teeth when the flexible member is subjected to a selected threshold tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas G. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5897491
    Abstract: A device for endoscopic examinations and operations includes a frame on which one or more of holding, connecting and receiving elements for locking and/or spreading instruments, lighting devices, liquid and/or gas suction devices, examination and/or surgical instruments may be arranged and detachably secured, as may also tongue and labial commissure retaining spatulas, palatal plates, lighting and receiving members for other devices and/or instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Explorent Chirurgische Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Kastenbauer, Jens Feyh
  • Patent number: 5842974
    Abstract: A speculum (20) for obtaining visual access to the inside of an animal's (500) mouth includes a body (22), and handle (28) and two spaced loop-shaped members (30) and (32). Loop-shaped members (30) and (32) have arcuate ends (34) and (36) which individually or in unison may be hooked around the last jaw teeth (502) through (505), while speculum (20) is selectively manipulated by handle (28) to allow visual access to the animal's (500) teeth (501), tongue (506), cheeks (507) and (508), and soft mouth tissue (509). Speculum (20) is fabricated from a rod-like material to ensure maximum visibility by the using veterinarian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: R. Clay Stubbs
  • Patent number: 5730597
    Abstract: A tripartite dental instrument includes a curved-trough-like lip retractor, flat-fin-like cheek retractor and a straight handle. The handle and the cheek retractor are separately connected to the lip retractor at nearby locations and are each obliquely oriented with respect to the lip retractor. The dental practitioner selectively retracts the patient's lip (upper or lower) and/or cheek (left or right) while the lip retractor cradles the patient's lip at one side of the patient's mouth. The angularities and configurations featured by the inventive dental instrument advantageously afford the dental practitioner unobstructive, noninjurious and precise manipulative adjustability of either or both the lip retraction and cheek retraction functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Clifford D. Luttrell
  • Patent number: 5722936
    Abstract: A veterinary oral speculum for use with a bird is a rod having a cut away portion formed in a first longitudinal surface near one end of the rod and defining a handle at the opposite end of the rod. A slotted hole is formed in an opposite second longitudinal surface of the rod. The slotted hole and the cut-away portion are opposed to and communicate with one another and form a through opening in the rod. The speculum is inserted between the mandibles of the bird, rotated through 90.degree. and slid within the mouth of the bird so that the slotted hole is oriented inwardly toward the bird, the cut away portion is oriented outwardly from the bird and the through opening is oriented between the mandibles as a window such that oral access to the bird is gained by the through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Bruce S. Trulio
  • Patent number: 5718665
    Abstract: A speculum (20) for opening the jaws of animals (500) includes first (22) and second (30) arms connected by a threaded rod (38). By rotating threaded rod (38), the distance (D) between first (22) and second (30) arms may be selective adjusted. First (22) and second (30) arms have first (28) and second (36) jaw plates respectively, which forcibly open the jaws (502) and (506) of the animal (500). A tension-producing means (100) holds speculum (20) in place in the animal's (500) mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: R. Clay Stubbs
  • Patent number: 5702351
    Abstract: A disposable laryngoscope blade connects to a handle especially to facilitate endotracheal intubation of a patient. The blade includes a base portion that attaches to the handle, and an elongated blade portion extends from a proximal end to terminate in a distal tip. The blade portion is arcuate and flattened so as to have a flat upper wall and a flat lower wall joined at lateral edges, and the lateral edges converge toward the distal tip. The blade includes a passageway therethrough so that a vacuum source may attach to a nipple near the proximal end and an inlet port is formed near the distal tip so that fluids may pass through the blade portion. The handle carries a battery power source and electrical contacts. The base portion of the blade also has contacts so that, when the blade is mounted a circuit is completed to power a light source disposed on the blade portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: David Bar-Or, James S. Kimmel, Francis A. Roth
  • Patent number: 5558622
    Abstract: A mandibular retractor which is inserted intraorally has a retractor blade shaped to retract the cutaneous region laterally away from the mandible. The retracting blade also has an aperture which allows surgical instruments to be inserted through an incision in the cutaneous region, through the aperture, and to the mandible. The retractor allows a surgeon to retract with one hand and view the surgical site by looking down in to the mouth. The surgeon's other hand is free to operate surgical instruments such as a drill or screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Greenberg Surgical Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alex M. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5498231
    Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in difficult intubation due to malformation of the jaws, tongue, pharynx, larynx or neck as a result of trauma, edema, inflammation or congenital anomalies. An elongate hollow body terminates in a pair of opposed blades perpendicular to the said hollow body being pivotal on two axes. The endotracheal tube used for the intubation rides within the hollow tube on the introducing means disposed in the cavity of the said hollow body. Light conducting means illuminate the larynx and optical means are provided for inspecting the larynx during the intubation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Klaus Franicevic