Abstract: A distance measuring device includes an emitting optical fiber 1 for emitting a light beam from its distal end to an object so that the light beam may be reflected on the object, a plurality of side-by-side arranged receiving optical fibers 21-27 for receiving the reflected beam at each distal end a holder 3 holding therein the emitting fiber 1 and the receiving fibers 21-27, an actuator for moving the distal ends of the respective emitting and receiving optical fibers concurrently in a same direction and an analyzer for determining a distance to the object on the basis of a signal derived from the light beam received at the distal end of the receiving optical fibers 21-27. Driving the actuator brings in concurrent movements of the distal ends of the respective emitting and receiving optical fibers in a same direction, which increase the irradiation range of the distance measuring device.

Abstract: A dental instrument assembly includes a motion-tracking hexapod including a plurality of telescoping members each connected at one end to a first frame and at an opposite end to a second frame and further including a plurality of linear transducers each operatively coupled to a respective one of the telescoping members for generating a signal indicative of a degree of extension of the respective one of the telescoping members. A generally U-shaped bracket is connected to the first frame for mounting the first frame to a row of teeth in a patient's mouth, and a dental instrument or probe is mounted to the second frame. A computer connected to the transducers is connected to other computers via the Internet for enabling dental data exchange.

Abstract: A device for locating an apex of a root canal of a tooth comprises a first electrode having a conductive probe with a tip adapted for insertion into the root canal, and a second electrode configured to electrically contact a patient's body. The device includes a voltage generator which provides AC test voltage signal, a AC voltage driver with an internal output impedance, and a voltage detector coupled to the electrodes to detect an AC voltage across the first and second electrodes. An electronic controller coupled to the voltage detector calculates the test scores, determines the position of the probe tip on the basis of the test score values, and informs the user of the position of the probe tip in the canal. The position of the probe tip in the root canal is indicated on a display by a marker.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a horseshoe-shaped table 12 having a computer 14 and a dual-purpose chair 16 associated therewith. The chair 16 adjusts to variously sized users 11 by using a piston 78 and piston support mechanism disposed internally of the chair. The chair also serves as a weight scale or sensor 18 which is disposed in the seat thereof and has data input means, including a headset 27 with microphone 28 and chewing sensor 24 disposed thereon. The arm 36 of the chair has a blood pressure sensor 26 disposed thereon. Data gathered from the sensor input devices is transmitted to a computer 14 disposed internally of the table 12 having a monitor 40 and keypad 42 disposed on the tabletop. Also shown are a pair of scales 20, 22 which measure both the individual meal food and the daily food allowance which data is also input into the computer 14. The scales are equipped with segmented platters 90 and non-segmented platters 104, having various food compartments for receiving different types of food.

Abstract: A palatometer and nasometer apparatus is disclosed for the diagnosis and treatment of speech impairment, new language sound learning, and other uses. The palatometer includes a palatal body containing electrodes which fits in a user's mouth. Contact between the user's tongue or lips and the electrodes is indicated on display equipment. The palatometer and display equipment operate to indicate the position and movement of the tongue and lips. The nasometer includes interchangeable sound separator plates to fit users with different facial curvatures. Microphones are attached to the top and bottom of the sound separator plate to measure sound emitted from the nose and mouth for determining the nasality of speech. The palatometer and nasometer are combined to optimize the ability to define speech normality as well as diagnose and remediate speech.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for evaluating a musculoskeletal system of a patient is provided which includes the steps of: providing a vibration measurement device in proximity to a non-rigidly supported platform; measuring a vibrational response of the patient's musculoskeletal system using the vibration measurement device after the patient rests on the non-rigidly supported platform; performing a frequency decomposition of the vibrational response to quantify the vibrational response into specific vibrational spectra; and analyzing the vibrational spectra to evaluate muscle strength, postural stability and bone density. A non-invasive physiologic vibration quantification system is also provided for evaluating the musculoskeletal system of the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for real time intra-orally acquiring and registering three-dimensional measurements and images of intra-oral objects and features. An intra-oral fixed global registration position is established inside the oral cavity of a dental patient, enabling real time acquiring measurements and images of intra-oral objects and features located in multiple fields of view of a measuring and imaging device positioned at various locations in the oral cavity of a dental patient, and recording global positions of the measuring and imaging device relative to the same intra-oral fixed global registration position, where the intra-oral fixed global registration position need not be in any particular field of view of measured and imaged intra-oral objects and features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a contoured surface, particularly the outer surface of a tooth to receive an artificial crown, by means of a probe having at least one light source, preferably three light sources at different known locations with respect to the probe contact surface; and a light sensor device at a known location with respect to the contoured surface to be mapped. The probe is moved over the contoured surface through a plurality of positions, with the probe contact surface in contact with the contoured surface at each of the positions; and the location in space of each of the light sources is measured at each of these positions. The measured locations of the light sources are used for computing the location of the probe contact surface with respect to the known location of the light sensor device.

Abstract: A light irradiating section irradiates a muscle used for occlusion of teeth, with light, and a light detecting section detects scattered light from the muscle. An oxygen saturation acquiring section acquires an oxygen saturation of the muscle, based on the scattered light thus detected. Further, based on correlation data between oxygen saturation and occlusal force stored in a correlation data storing section, an occlusal force calculating section calculates the occlusal force of the subject corresponding to the oxygen saturation acquired.

Abstract: A method and device using stress waves for dental examination. According to the method, the dental structure (such as a tooth) under examination is subjected to a stress (acoustic) wave. The stress wave propagates through the dental structure and is received on the other side. From the analysis of the transmission time and/or the resulting waveform, diagnostic information results as to the presence of dental disease such as dental caries that may be present on the tooth surface under dental restorations such as fillings or metal crowns. According to the invention, the stress wave is generated by a suitable transducer, coupled to the dental structure through a transmission medium, propagates through the dental structure, coupled through another transmission medium, received by a acousto-electric transducer, and analyzed by suitable electronic means.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a dental occlusion map of a three-dimensional virtual computer model of teeth of upper and lower jaws of a mouth. The occlusion map indicates the distances between opposite regions on facing surfaces of opposite teeth of the upper and lower jaws of the mouth. The method includes the steps of determining the distances between opposite regions on opposite teeth of the upper and lower jaws of the mouth, and setting up a correspondence between the determined distances and regions on a mapping surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism thorough biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics mounted in a light-weight headband which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and bio-feedback is provided to the user by a piezoelectric transducer in mechanical contact with the head of the user. One electrode of the piezoelectric transducer also serves as the reference sense electrode. The electrodes require no chemistry, allowing the apparatus to be worn for considerable periods without skin irritation. Information detailing the timing, quantity, and duration of bruxing events may be stored internally for later retrieval via display, computer interface, or voice synthesis interface. When EMG signals satisfy certain pre-determined time and amplitude conditions, an acoustical bio-feedback signal is generated.

Abstract: A maxillary tooth dimension determining system includes a computer into which a photograph of a face of a client and its pupillary distance &agr; are inputted. The width W1 and height H1 of the first maxillary incisors are computed in accordance with the following expression. W1=&agr;×2.5×({fraction (1/16)}) and H1=W1×({fraction (4/3)}). The width W2 of the second maxillary incisors is computed in accordance with the following expression. W2=0.618W1 An image of the teeth is displayed on a display screen together with the image of the client's face, in such a manner that it can be moved to an appropriate position in the image of the client's face.

Abstract: An musculus orbicularis oris power measuring apparatus for quantitatively determining the power of the musculus orbicularis oris around the human mouth is provided. A force for closing the mouth lips is detected as an electric output signal by a load sensor shaped so as to be held between the lips. A maximum value of the load force as detected by the load sensor is sensed by a peak hold circuit and stored therein. The thus stored value is indicated either in an analog form or in a digital form by a peak value indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the detection of dental caries. The method comprises the steps of placing at least one probe electrode in electrical contact with a surface of a patient's tooth, placing a second electrode in electrical contact with another part of the body of the patient, passing an alternating electrical current between said probe and second electrodes, and measuring the electrical impedance between the electrodes.

Abstract: A process and a device for measuring and locating the apex of a root canal of a tooth, by measuring, between a rasp forming an electrode inserted in the root canal and a second electrode disposed in the mouth, the variations of time constants of resistances and capacitances encountered in the canal, includes applying to the terminals of the electrodes a continuous current signal or a square signal of current of predetermined frequency for repeating the measurements and carrying out at the terminals of the electrodes at least two measurements for a given alternation so that a radiometric computation of the measurements can be obtained which result represents a distance separating the distal end of the rasp from the apex.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the oral cavity. The tool includes a first measuring member having a first leg portion and a dial portion with graduations provided thereon and a second measuring member having a second leg portion and a pointer. The pointer moves across the dial upon pivotal movement of measuring members such that the pointer designates one of the graduations to indicate the spacing between the leg portions. Second graduations provided on one of the measuring members are indicative of a second measured value. The tool also includes a support member positionable in the oral cavity of a patient with the patient biting down on the upper and lower bite surfaces of the support. The support includes an opening shaped to slidably receive and support the first leg portion and a slot offset from the opening. The slot is shaped to slidably receive the second leg portion as the second measuring member is pivoted relative to the first measuring member.

Abstract: An orofacial measurement probe for measuring muscle forces within the oral cavity. The probe includes a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity and a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed in transducer housing. The bite member is formed with a rigid upper portion, a rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member holding the upper and power portions in spaced-apart relationship to one another. The upper and lower portions are formed and arranged so that together with the elastomeric member they define a hydraulic cavity, which carries a hydraulic fluid. At least one of the upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth. The transducer housing is separate from the bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when the bite member is inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring quantitatively the energy damping capacity of a specimen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of the polymer sleeve of the handpiece of the system is placed directly against the specimen to be tested. The alignment of the handpiece is aided by the polymer tip which maintained the handpiece approximately orthogonal to the specimen surface and a level indicator for aiding the user to keep the handpiece approximately horizontal. Upon the pressing of a finger switch on the handpiece, a magnetic coil within the handpiece propels a tapping rod strikes the specimen multiple times per cycle creating stress waves that traveled through the tapping rod. Vibrations are attenuated by the polymer sleeve so as to not disturb the sensitive measurements. An accelerometer within the handpiece coupled with the tapping rod measures signals corresponding to the resulting stress waves.

Abstract: In a jaw movement simulator in which an upper jaw model patterned after an upper jaw and a lower jaw model patterned after a lower jaw are mounted, and the lower jaw model is relatively moved with respect to the upper jaw model. A jaw movement simulation system causes the jaw movement simulator to reproduce a movement of the jaw of a test subject in accordance with data obtained through imaging a movement of the jaw of the test subject. The lower jaw model is fixed on an operating plate having 6 degree of freedom by parallel mechanism, and is moved on the basis of data obtained through a movement of the jaw of the human body, thereby simulating a movement of the jaw with great accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism through biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics (M1) mounted in a light-weight headband (HB1) which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes (E) within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and biofeedback is provided to the user through an earphone (SK).

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring an undesired behavioral disorder such as bruxism, jaw clenching, or snoring. A processor correlates the monitored behavior with the onset of the undesired disorder. Since behavior of this type is typically subconscious, the sensor is preferably coupled to a warning device to alert the patient when he or she is performing the undesired behavior. Typically the warning device causes the patient to experience an unpleasant sensation, thus promoting the discontinuance of the behavior. In one embodiment the system determines which stimuli is most effective and therefore best suited for an individual patient. The system may further include means to record the monitored data related to the undesired behavioral disorders. This feature allows the patient to receive data related to the rate, duration, intensity, and time of day that the unconscious behavior occurred thus allowing the patient to correlate the undesired behavior with outside factors.

Abstract: The dental device for determining the state of an at least partially metal tooth crown (2) or tooth bridge (2) of a tooth (1) comprises a scanning electrode (3) with which an electrical contact to the tooth crown (2) or tooth bridge (2) can be established, an active part (10) of a reference electrode (9), which active part (10) can be placed in the mouth, and a voltage meter (12) which can be connected electrically to the scanning electrode (3) and the reference electrode (9) and allows their potential difference to be measured, the voltage meter (12) having an input resistance of in particular more than 10.sup.6 .OMEGA.. The active part (10) of the reference electrode (9) consists in particular of a silver wire coated with silver chloride. The holder (13) of the reference electrode (9) can be plastically deformed as desired and can be fitted in the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: A method for determining the probability of an episode of prolonged apnea in an infant less than or equal to 6 months of age has been developed. The method includes conducting a physiological feeding study wherein the subject is bottle fed while monitoring respiration, heart rate, O.sub.2 saturation, and sucking pressure, conducting a sleep study wherein the subject is allowed to sleep naturally while monitoring respiration, heart rate, O.sub.2 saturation, and brain activity, and analyzing the data to make a prediction of the probability of a prolonged episode of sleep apnea. The method can further include correlating the results of the physiological feeding study and the sleep study with age, epidemiologic characteristics, and birth age. In the preferred embodiment, the sleep study is conducted in an environmentally controlled test chamber at 90.degree..+-.2.degree. F., and both respiratory effort and air flow are measured.

Abstract: A system for measuring a plurality of characteristics of a user's oral regions comprising, in combination, a pair of planks each having a proximal end and a distal end. The rods include an upper plank and a lower plank with a hinge coupling the distal ends of the rods. A pair of proximally extending supports each having an exterior surface adapted to be received in the mouth of a user. A deformable pneumatic bulb is positioned between the planks adjacent to the proximal end thereof. A associated tube thereby applies a pneumatic force to the second end of the tube. A meter is coupled to the second end of the tube to provide readings in response to the force applied to the bulb. The tube extends through a hole in the upper plank.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the oral cavity. The tool includes a first measuring member having a first leg portion and a dial portion with graduations provided thereon and a second measuring member having a second leg portion and a pointer. The pointer moves across the dial upon pivotal movement of measuring members such that the pointer designates one of the graduations to indicate the spacing between the leg portions. Second graduations provided on one of the measuring members are indicative of a second measured value. The tool also includes a support member positionable in the oral cavity of a patient with the patient biting down on the upper and lower bite surfaces of the support. The support includes an opening shaped to slidably receive and support the first leg portion and a slot offset from the opening. The slot is shaped to slidably receive the second leg portion as the second measuring member is pivoted relative to the first measuring member.

Abstract: Back-to back hydraulically linked pistons are mechanically coupled to contact probes and measurement sensors. The pistons are hydraulically linked by small diameter flexible conduits which enable the contact probes and the measurement sensors to be mounted and moved independently of each other without affecting the ability of the measurement instrument to simultaneously measure a plurality of points on a selected predefined surface, such as a human tooth. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the complex mechanical linkages heretofore required in such instruments.

Abstract: A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.

Abstract: A method of detecting periodontal disease involves attaching a vibration detector to the tooth, causing the tooth to vibrate by means of striking the tooth with a hammer, and then picking up signals corresponding to of the vibration of the tooth for processing by a dynamic signal analyzer and a microprocessor using Fourier analysis. The location of the natural frequency of the tooth is determined based on the lowest point in the image mode and the point of contraflexure in the real mode.

Abstract: An instrument and method to measure the position of the occlusal plane of the mouth with reference to the structural features of the cranium. The instrument includes a vertical face bow, positioned on the nasal bridge and the forward edge of the base of the chin. The device employs light beams to make measurements of the patient's occlusal plane and the nose-to-chin distances. The device utilizes an internal processor to make the necessary calculations, provides direct numerical readouts, is battery powered and self-calibrating. The entire device is sealed to permit cold sterilization by liquids.

Abstract: A methods and apparatus is disclosed herein that confirms the accuracy of dental casts. The device has four adjustable arms terminating in rests. The rests are slightly concave to receive methylmethacrylate. The arms are adjustable to mate rests with selected points or cusp tips on the model. In use, the set screw is loosened to allow a friction fit adjustment of the four arms. Once the four arms are adjusted so that the rests are aligned over desired cusp tips a locking screw is tightened. The arms are held immobilized. Methylmethacrylate is now added to the concave portion of rests. While this acrylic is still soft it is returned in the same location on model to register the imprint of the preselected cusp tips. The verifier can now be utilized to verify accuracy of another clone model by placing in similar manner on second cast. The verifier should come to rest on the second model exactly as it did on the original.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a handpiece having a root canal length measurement function, wherein a signal circuit, which is specifically provided for sending measurement signals from a root canal length measurement circuit to a measurement probe mounted on a head provided at the tip of the handpiece, is incorporated in the handpiece, and the signal circuit is electrically connected to the measurement probe via a contact piece in the vicinity of the measurement probe. Therefore, it is not necessary to connect the signal circuit for measurement by way of the outside of the handpiece. In addition, this structure improves the operability of the handpiece because there is no lead wire for connection. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the troublesome task of externally connecting lead wires to the head of the handpiece, which would otherwise be required at each treatment time.

Abstract: A probe for measuring a depth of a periodontal pocket includes an emitting device for emitting, from a position at a distance from the periodontal pocket, a light beam toward the periodontal pocket, a receiving device for receiving, at a position at another distance from the periodontal pocket, the light beam after being reflected on a bottom of the periodontal pocket, and an analyzing device for displaying the depth of the periodontal pocket after a calculation thereof on the basis of an analysis of the light beam received at the receiving device.

Abstract: The quantitatively and objectively present invention provides an apparatus for evaluating the contact pressure distribution in a temporomandibular joint. Specifically, the mandible and cranium are converted to two-dimensional rigid body element models by use of positional data of their contact line acquired from an image input device to compose a rigid body spring model, where only vertical springs resisting in vertical direction to the contact line are assumed in temporomandibular joint portion and vertical springs resisting in vertical direction as well as shear spring resisting in the direction parallel to the contact line are assumed in the teeth portion. An external force converted from an assumed elevation myodynamia is exerted on this model, and based on the theory of a rigid body spring model, stresses at each of the springs are calculated to represent contact pressures due to reaction forces against the external force mentioned above.

Abstract: Back-to back hydraulically linked pistons are mechanically coupled to contact probes and measurement sensors. The pistons are hydraulically linked by small diameter flexible conduits which enable the contact probes and the measurement sensors to be mounted and moved independently of each other without affecting the ability of the measurement instrument to simultaneously measure a plurality of points on a selected predefined surface, such as a human tooth. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the complex mechanical linkages heretofore required in such instruments.

Abstract: An occlusal force-meter 1 includes an occlusal force detecting portion 2 for detecting an occlusal force and a main body 3 for processing the detected signal obtained by the occlusal force detecting portion 2 to display the occlusal force measured value on a display 4. The occlusal force detecting portion 2 includes a transmitting portion (second pressure transmitting portion) 5 having diaphragm portions 7, 8 at an upper surface and/or a lower surface of one end portion 5f thereof. A pressure medium liquid L is filed therein, for transmitting the occlusal force added to the diaphragm portions 7, 8 to a pressure detector 9 disposed on the other end portion 5r thereof.

Abstract: An apical position detector for use in dental endodontics includes an electronic controller coupled to a conductive probe and a lip electrode. The probe is positioned in a root canal and the lip electrode contacts another location on the patient's body. The controller produces a test signal as a combination of signals at selected frequencies. The controller then monitors a voltage of the probe and extracts the amplitude and phase of each of the frequency components of the voltage at the probe. Test scores are generated from summations of the amplitudes and/or phases of the various frequency components to determine when the impedance between the probe and the lip electrode changes from a primarily reactive impedance to a primarily resistive impedance. A first test score is displayed to indicate when the impedance changes from a reactive to a resistive impedance. The second test score indicates when the measurement conditions are unsatisfactory. The test scores are displayed in bar graph or similar form.