3-d Sculpturing Using Nontracing Prototype Sensor Patents (Class 700/163)
  • Patent number: 11864727
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing dental surgery includes a central processing unit that controls automated operation of the apparatus and a display that renders an image of a target tooth requiring surgical intervention. The image of a target tooth being created from an image file received from the central processing unit. An input device receives surgical instructions from a user for providing the surgical intervention. The instructions are provided to the central processing unit for process. The surgical instructions include visual indications on the image of a target tooth that is to be treated. A robotic arm that includes an end effector is in communication with the central processing unit. The central processing unit controls the robotic arm to remove a region of the target tooth. The system also simultaneously mills the final tooth restoration in a separate milling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cyberdontics (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Ciriello, Robert Joseph Ciriello, James Alexander Farwell
  • Patent number: 11494465
    Abstract: Provided is an interpolation technique in which command values chronologically input can be interpolated without increasing a jerk and with less follow-up delay with respect to a command. A control unit (10) of a servo driver (20) has a function of sequentially generating, on the basis of four command values from x(k?2) to x(k+1), a kth interpolation function for calculating command values in a kth (?3) time interval and a function of generating, as the kth interpolation function, a fifth-order equation with respect to time in which function values at a start time and an end time of the kth time interval match x(k) and x(k+1), respectively, and in which a second derivative value at a start time of the kth time interval matches a second derivative value at an end time of a (k?1)th time interval corresponding to a (k?1)th interpolation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Mamoru Egi
  • Patent number: 11463827
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a hearing device and a method of forming such device are disclosed. The device includes a housing adapted to be worn on or behind an ear of a wearer and includes a housing body and a top plate connected to the housing body. The hearing device further includes a sensor disposed on at least one of a first side surface and a second side surface of the housing body. The sensor is adapted to be in contact with either a pinna or a skull of the wearer. The sensor is further adapted to detect a physiological characteristic of the wearer and generate a sensor signal based on the physiological characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Sacha, Christopher D. Young
  • Patent number: 11395077
    Abstract: An earpiece housing includes: an ear canal part to be introduced into an ear canal of a user, wherein the ear canal part extends along an ear canal axis of the earpiece, the ear canal part having a first end configured to be positioned in the ear canal of the user; a first protrusion with a first outer surface; and a second protrusion with a second outer surface; and an intermediate space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; wherein the first protrusion is between the first end of the ear canal part and the second protrusion along the ear canal axis, the first protrusion comprising a first channel part configured to provide fluid communication between an ear canal cavity and the intermediate space, the second protrusion comprising a second channel part configured to provide fluid communication between the intermediate space and a surrounding of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventor: Ippei Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11202574
    Abstract: An apparatus for dental imaging comprises a light source for generating light, an optics system for focusing the light, and a probe head. The light source, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the light passes through the optics system, passes through the probe head, and exits the probe head. The optics system is configured such that, upon entering the probe head, an outermost chief ray of the light with respect to an optical axis of the optics system is divergent to the optical axis and an outermost marginal ray of the light with respect to the optical axis is parallel or divergent to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossef Atiya, Tal Verker, Nir Makmel
  • Patent number: 11129548
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus, comprising: a foot mat; a depth sensing camera; an elevated foot platform that reduces or prevents rotational movement of a foot; a processor in communication with the depth sensing camera, the processor further configured to calculate the circumference of a user's leg based on data from the depth sensing camera while the user has one foot on the foot mat and one foot on the elevated foot platform, the processor further configured to select a recommended product for the user's knee or ankle from among a set of pre-manufactured candidate products for knees or ankles based at least in part upon the leg circumference of the user; and an output device to display information received from the processor, the information identifying the recommended product to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Scholl's Wellness Company LLC
    Inventors: Charles Lundy, Harold Howlett
  • Patent number: 10922637
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a customizable management system for various unique packaging production architectures. The customizable management system can be configurable to universally integrate with various systems within a variety of unique packaging production architectures. For example, the customizable management system can comprise one or more importer modules that receive package creation requests and translate the requests into a second format that is readable by one or more staging and selection modules. The system may also comprise staging and selection modules that are configured to identify within each translated packaging creation order one or more final packaging parameters and identify a workgroup that is capable of meeting the one or more final packaging parameters. The system may also comprise one or more machine group modules in communication with one or more packaging stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Packsize LLC
    Inventors: Chris R. Featherstone, Jeffrey Lee Rasmussen, Andreas Harnesk, Ryan Osterhout, Stefan Karlsson, Robert Lingstyul, Clinton P Smith
  • Patent number: 10878137
    Abstract: A method and system for fitting a compression stabilized prosthetic socket for a patient having an amputated limb and a remaining portion that includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's remaining portion of a limb, and a second socket portion for attachment of a prosthetic device. The first socket portion has compression portions having a radius for compressing portions of the patient's remaining portion of a limb, and relief portions receiving any portions of the patient's remaining limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions. The fitting method and system can include use of a mechanism to compress bar surfaces against the limb in areas selected to receive compression portions in order to prepare an image for creating the first socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: Randall D. Alley, T. Walley Williams, III
  • Patent number: 10849722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the computer-assisted manufacturing of a dental replacement part or a dental auxiliary element from a blank, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation, by means of a machining tool, wherein a blank data set comprising the axis of rotation and a model data set of the dental replacement part or dental auxiliary element are stored and the model data set has a first region having a first insertion axis and a second region having a second insertion axis askew to the first insertion axis, wherein in a first positioning step (S1) the model data set is arranged in the blank data set in such a way that the first insertion axis of the model data set is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the blank data set and in a second positioning step (S2) the second insertion axis of the model data set is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the blank data set by rotating the model data set about the first insertion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventor: Andreas Schafer
  • Patent number: 10835128
    Abstract: An apparatus for dental confocal imaging comprises an illumination module for generating an array of light beams, an optics system for confocal focusing of the array of light beams and a probe head with a light-guiding part having an entrance face and an exit face. The illumination module, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the array of light beams from the illumination module passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance face and exits the light-guiding part via the exit face. The optics system is configured such that, after having passed through the optics system, the outermost marginal rays of the outermost light beams with respect to the optical axis of the optics system are parallel or divergent to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossef Atiya, Tal Verker, Nir Makmel
  • Patent number: 10828719
    Abstract: Laser cutting systems and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser generating component, an optical component, a fixture for holding a support with a part positioned on the support, and a control mechanism for adjusting at least one of the laser generating component, the optical component, and the fixture such that a ratio of a laser energy applied to the part and a part material thickness is maintained within a predetermined acceptable range at each point along a cut path to cut through the part while maintaining the integrity of the support. Other systems and methods are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Culp
  • Patent number: 10791937
    Abstract: Embodiments related to medical imaging devices including rigid imaging tips and their methods of use for identifying abnormal tissue within a surgical bed are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Lumicell, Inc.
    Inventors: W. David Lee, Jorge Ferrer, David B. Strasfeld
  • Patent number: 10789394
    Abstract: A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Kuo, Vadim Matov, Jihua Cheng
  • Patent number: 10772506
    Abstract: An apparatus for dental confocal imaging comprises an illumination module for generating an array of light beams, an optics system for confocal focusing of the array of light beams and a probe head with a light-guiding part having an entrance face and an exit face. The illumination module, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the array of light beams from the illumination module passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance face and exits the light-guiding part via the exit face. The optics system is configured such that, after having passed through the optics system, the outermost marginal rays of the outermost light beams with respect to the optical axis of the optics system are parallel or divergent to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossef Atiya, Tal Verker, Nir Makmel
  • Patent number: 10588515
    Abstract: An apparatus for dental confocal imaging comprises an illumination module for generating an array of light beams, an optics system for confocal focusing of the array of light beams and a probe head with a light-guiding part having an entrance face and an exit face. The illumination module, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the array of light beams from the illumination module passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance face and exits the light-guiding part via the exit face. The optics system is configured such that, after having passed through the optics system, the outermost marginal rays of the outermost light beams with respect to the optical axis of the optics system are parallel or divergent to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossef Atiya, Tal Verker, Nir Makmel
  • Patent number: 10528032
    Abstract: A method for generating an orthotic device is disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes generating CAD model data corresponding to an orthotic device to be applied to a body part of a patient. A pattern is mapped to a surface defined by the CAD model data to produce modified CAD model data, the mapped pattern defining a plurality of perforations formed at least partially through the surface. The modified CAD model data is transmitted to a three-dimensional printer. The three-dimensional printer is to produce the orthotic device having the plurality of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Aetrex Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kegan L. Schouwenburg, Daniel Bersak, Jeff Smith, Ciaran N. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10521741
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to dynamically assigning product groups to production machines using production groups and producing product groups at a specified ratio using production groups. In one scenario, a computer system dynamically assigns a production entity to a product group based on properties for that production entity. The production entity is to be produced using a production machine. The computer system then dynamically assigns each product group to a production group, where each production group includes production machines that are available to produce production entities for product groups that belong to the assigned production group. The computer system also indicates that a production entity is to be produced using the production machines in the dynamically assigned production group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: PACKSIZE, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Harnesk, Ryan Osterhout, Stefan Karlsson
  • Patent number: 10342316
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a makeup support device capable of appropriately supporting the application of makeup even for users who have insufficient makeup skills. The makeup support device (100) has: a makeup style selection unit (250) that selects a makeup style being a makeup method, for each face to be made up; and a makeup style suggestion unit (260) that causes pigment corresponding to the selected makeup style to be supported on the surface of a sheet capable of being adhered for long periods to facial skin, on the opposite side to the side adhered to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaori Ajiki, Rieko Asai, Yasushi Yamaguchi, Tomofumi Yamanashi, Aoi Muta, Chie Nishi
  • Patent number: 10172694
    Abstract: A crown prosthesis preparing system includes a data generator and a cutting device including a retainer, a cutting mechanism, and a controller. The cutting mechanism includes a first processing tool that cuts a workpiece to form a processed workpiece, a second processing tool that polishes the processed workpiece, a driver detachably holding at least one of the first processing tool and the second processing tool and controlling its position. The controller includes a first control section causing the first processing tool to cut the workpiece retained by the retainer based on three-dimensional data, to form the processed workpiece, and a second control section causing the second processing tool to polish a surface of the processed workpiece retained by the retainer based on the three-dimensional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ROLAND DG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sachino Isobe, Koji Saito, Keiichi Niuishi
  • Patent number: 10159547
    Abstract: Apparatus for three-dimensionally measuring a row of teeth, having, on a shaft, an autonomously movable measuring head including a central measuring member and at least two lateral measuring members movably interconnected and defining a variable measurement space. The head, placed on a row of teeth, is guided therealong using guiding elements. Measuring units in the measuring members measure structures in the measurement space. Measurements are taken from multiple solid angle positions of the measuring units, the positions being preset in the measuring members, being adjusted by moving the measuring members, being taken by having mirrors move, in a controlled manner, the beam path generated by the measuring units, or being aligned by changing the angular position of the head relative to the shaft in an automatically controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Quarz Partners AG
    Inventors: Werner Mörmann, Albert Mehl
  • Patent number: 9880547
    Abstract: A numerical control for operating a machine tool having a plurality of axes, includes a drive controller for each axis to be actuated, the drive controllers being able to be parameterized via machine parameters and thus adaptable to the most varied applications. Variable control values and machine parameters are selectable via tapping points in the drive controllers in order to be used as arguments or parameters of a user-defined function for calculating an output value, which is used for function-dependent influencing of one of the drive controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventor: Frieder Kohler
  • Patent number: 9777938
    Abstract: Provided is an installation guide system for an air conditioner. The installation guide system may include a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which the air conditioner is installed, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays the stored image including a plurality of tubes that connect an indoor unit to an outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and a second region that displays information regarding an interference between at least two of the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jungyul Park, Sangeun Cho, Shinae Kang, Junmo Kim, Mingyu Park
  • Patent number: 9737417
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, media and signals for producing a representation of a mold for forming an appliance for a living body is disclosed. The method involves identifying points representing a line corresponding to an intended edge of the appliance on a surface of the mold, the surface being defined by an input plurality of points representing a general shape of the mold. The method also involves identifying regions extending along the surface on opposite sides of the line, adjusting at least one coordinate of at least one of the input plurality of points that falls within at least one of the regions to alter the shape of the surface in the at least one region to produce a modified surface representation, and storing the modified surface representation in a computer memory to produce a modified representation of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Vorum Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Malcolm Sabiston
  • Patent number: 9691110
    Abstract: Method and system for providing volume manufacturing of customizable items including receiving a data package including a plurality of manufacturing parameters, each of the plurality of manufacturing parameters associated with a unique item, verifying the received data package, and implementing a manufacturing process associated with the received data package is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Artem Boronvinskih, Qinghui Lu, Maneesh Dhagat, Shiva P. Sambu, Evgeny Timofeyev, Dmitry Sultanov, Anton Spiridonov, Ivan Ionov, Sergey Nikolskiy, Vasily Ivanov, Alexey Vishnevskiy
  • Patent number: 9683835
    Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub, Noam Babayoff
  • Patent number: 9675431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for designing a plurality of adjacent tooth restorations using CAD/CAM technology. In a first step, the virtual model of a first tooth restoration at the first border of the restoration site is designed. In a second step, the virtual model of the second tooth restoration adjacent to the first tooth restoration is designed, the second tooth restoration being adjusted to match the first tooth restoration. The virtual model of the first tooth restoration is adjusted in relation to the second tooth restoration in a third step, if required. This procedure is then repeated for all of the other tooth restorations in the restoration site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Orth
  • Patent number: 9078617
    Abstract: A probe assembly is presented for use in monitoring one or more parameters of a subject. The probe assembly comprises: an acoustic port for transmitting acoustic radiation into a region of interest in the subject, at least one light output port for transmitting incident light towards the region of interest, at least one light input port for receiving light returned from the subject, and a control utility integrated in the probe assembly, said control utility being configured for controlling at least one condition of a monitoring procedure and enabling the monitoring procedure upon detecting that said at least one condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: OR-NIM MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Ofer Pintel, Michael Bendkowski, Ilan Breskin, Yaakov Metzger, Revital Pery Shechter
  • Publication number: 20150039121
    Abstract: A 3D machine vision scanning system having a scanner head for obtaining raw scan data from a target object, an information extraction module that processes and reduces the raw scan data into target object information that is to be used for automated control decisions in an industrial process, and a communication interface for transmitting the target object scan information to a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: HERMARY OPTO ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Terrance John HERMARY, Alexander Thomas HERMARY, Mohammad Reza SAHRAEI
  • Patent number: 8874251
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a custom medical mask formed for a particular user from a three-dimensional electronic model includes a body formed from a polymerized photopolymer material. An interior surface of the body is configured to seat on the particular user's face and comprises a physical embodiment of a three-dimensional electronic model corresponding to unique facial features of the particular user. According to another embodiment, a method of creating a three-dimensional electronic model for use in forming a custom medical mask for a particular user includes scanning a portion of the particular user's face using an electronic scanning device, generating a three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face based on the scanning, and transmitting the three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face for use in forming the custom medical mask for the particular user from a photopolymer using a stereolithography apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airway Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Patent number: 8849439
    Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam H. Sanford, Dean M. J. Acker, Jeffrey D. Brown, Brian D. Earl, John E. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8817332
    Abstract: Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Andy Wu
  • Patent number: 8805570
    Abstract: A workpiece measuring device, a collision preventing device, and a machine tool acquires 3D data of the shape of a workpiece used to prevent a collision between the workpiece and part of the machine tool. A measuring section measures the distance to the workpiece through scanning in a non-contact manner; and a shape recognition section generates a 3D mesh structure. The coordinates of a measurement point on the workpiece based on distance information about the measured distance to the workpiece, and that generates a measurement geometry map such that, when the ratio of the number of times the calculated measurement point is included in one unit of the 3D mesh structure to the number of times a position of the workpiece corresponding to the one unit is scanned is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, the one unit is regarded as part of the workpiece are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Kawauchi, Yuichi Sasano, Shin Asano, Kenji Kura, Hirokazu Matsushita, Akihiko Matsumura, Masaru Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8797605
    Abstract: A method of creating a structural document may include receiving, by a host computing device in a cloud system, content information pertaining to one or more contents of a structural document that may be configured to encase the contents, determining a shape of a structural document based at least in part on the received content information, determining a plurality of dimensions of the structural document based at least in part on the received content information, receiving content item information associated with one or more content items, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at the user computing device. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to one or more print-related devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Hannaway, William J. Nowak, Cynthia J. Ryan, Stephen C. Morgana, James Milo Sweet, Reiner Eschbach
  • Patent number: 8797604
    Abstract: A method of creating a structural document may include determining, by a host computing device in a cloud system, a shape of a structural document, determining, by the host computing device, a plurality of dimensions of the structural document, receiving information associated with one or more content items, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at a user computing device. A shape of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined shape, a plurality of dimensions of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined plurality of dimensions, and the graphical representation may include at least a portion of the received content items. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to one or more print-related devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Hannaway, William J. Nowak, Cynthia J. Ryan, Stephen C. Morgana, James Milo Sweet, Reiner Eschbach
  • Patent number: 8792142
    Abstract: A method may include determining a shape of a structural document, determining a plurality of dimensions of the structural document, receiving information associated with one or more content items, receiving contact information to include on the structural document, receiving an indication of a location on the structural document where the contact information is to be displayed, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at a computing device. A shape and dimensions of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined shape and dimensions, the contact information may be displayed on the graphical representation at the location, and the graphical representation may include at least a portion of the received content items. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to print-related devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Hannaway, William J. Nowak, Cynthia J. Ryan, Stephen C. Morgana, James Milo Sweet, Reiner Eschbach
  • Publication number: 20140148938
    Abstract: Techniques for object profile for object machining are described. In at least some implementations, an object profile is generated by measuring attributes of an object, such as its dimensions. The object profile can correspond to a data representation of object attributes. The object profile is employed to determine a machining path for machining the object based on a particular design and/or pattern. In at least some implementations, an alignment guide is generated that enables an object to be positioned for machining by a machining device. The alignment guide, for instance, can correspond to a particular position in a coordinate space. Aligning an object with the alignment guide includes moving the object (e.g., rotationally and/or translationally) to align with the alignment guide. When aligned with the alignment guide, the object can be machined according to a specified object profile and/or pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Dayong Zhang, Massood Nikkhah, Michael Joseph Lane, Cao Zhiqiang, Andrew William Hill
  • Publication number: 20140114461
    Abstract: A three-dimensional machine vision scanner head for obtaining raw scan data from a target object and an integrated scan information extraction module that performs data reduction and passes to a controller selected summary target object scan information that is significant for automated control decisions in an industrial process. The scanner head contains a laser light emitter, reflected laser light detector and a communication interface for transmitting the target object scan information from the information extraction module to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Terrance John Hermary, Alexander Thomas Hermary, Mohammad Reza Sahraei
  • Patent number: 8554350
    Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Keady, Gary Hoshizaki, John G. Casali
  • Patent number: 8554352
    Abstract: A computerized method is provided for designing a vent in a hearing aid housing shell based on an image of a patient's ear canal impression, and wherein a program is provided on a computer-readable medium. With the program, an image of a starter housing shell based on the image of the patient's ear canal impression is created which is longer than a final version of the housing shell to be created. A starter vent running from an inner canal end near the patient's ear drum to an outer end of the starter housing shell is placed inside the shell. Components are then placed substantially as deep as possible inside the starter shell but lying outside of the starter vent. Portions of the starter shell lying beyond where a faceplate is to be mounted are removed and the faceplate is mounted. The starter vent is then grown larger so that it fills substantially all space inside the shell without interfering with the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Artem Boltyenkov, Fred McBagonluri, Andreas Reh, Anthony Strano
  • Patent number: 8532806
    Abstract: An implant and process for manufacturing the implant for a joint of a patient comprises determining a dimension of a bone in the joint, generating a three-dimensional image of the bone, converting the image into a CAD model, determining a three-dimensional design for the implant according to the dimension of the bone, activating an electron beam melter, and additive-manufacturing the implant with the electron beam melter, the implant having a dimension equal to the dimension of the bone, the implant comprising a porous material. The porous material can be an osteoconductive material or an osteoinductive material or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Marcos V. Masson
  • Patent number: 8412588
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating products on demand. In some embodiments, a manufacturable model, which may include information about a three-dimensional representation of a product to be fabricated, is received by a user of an electronic system and may be validated by the electronic system. A prototype of the product can be generated based at least in part on the manufacturable model, and the manufacturable model and/or the product can be made available for selection by other users of the system. The product may be fabricated based at least in part on the manufacturable model using, for example, a three-dimensional printer, and may be delivered to users of the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Bodell, Gregory J. Meyers, Jeremy E. Powers, Bryan K. Beatty, Michael G. Curtis, Jeffrey B. Slosberg, Leon L. Au
  • Patent number: 8401690
    Abstract: In a method for processing a blank (1), in which the blank (1) can be densely sintered with shrinkage following machining and machining of the blank (1) is carried out in a machining device (7) allowing for an individual scale-up factor (F) relevant to the blank (1) for compensating for the shrinkage occurring during dense sintering, a linear measurement of the blank (1) is performed in one or more of the dimensions length, width, and height for determining the scale-up factor (F), wherein the measured linear measure (1) bears a known relationship to the scale-up factor (F), the type of blank (1) being known. Linear measurement of the blank (1) can be carried out in the machining device (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Gleditzsch, Franz Basler, David Figge
  • Patent number: 8327519
    Abstract: A machine for producing a three dimensional joint replacement article and which exhibits a three dimensional shaped body incorporating a scanner component for at least receiving a digitized input corresponding to a set of dimensions associated with a replacement article to be produced. Incorporated in die machine is a numerical control guided machining subassembly in communication with at least one material blank corresponding to an article to be produced. Material shavings are vacuum removed and collected for disposal and, following CNC machining, the finished part is deposited into a cavity accessed by a retrieval door for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8285408
    Abstract: A method for designing an ear insert device using anatomical information relating to the ear. A user record is that includes anatomical information relating to an ear of a user is received. The anatomical information comprises at least one sub-dermal feature of an ear canal. The user record is processed to obtain an ear insert device design record. The ear insert device design record comprises a three dimensional representation of a bounding surface shape having surface boundaries that substantially conform to surface boundaries of the ear canal and the at least one sub-dermal feature of the ear canal. An ear insert device may be produced using the ear insert design record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Adaptive Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ean H. Schiller, William R. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8260447
    Abstract: In a method of providing a material amount for a generative manufacturing method, a three-dimensional object (2) is formed by selectively solidifying layers of a material at locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object (2) in the respective layers. The quality of the manufactured objects is reproducibly recorded, thus, improving the method. At least one first material amount of a powder is provided, which is characterized by at least one feature. Data is detected, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Then, the data is stored, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Thus, the method can provide an identifiable powder amount used in manufacturing each layer of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Thomas Mattes, Ludger Hümmeler, Markus Frohnmaier
  • Patent number: 8260448
    Abstract: A system for imaging one or more items produced by rapid prototyping may include, but is not limited to: control electronics including a memory containing a plurality of data sets representing design items; a user interface coupled to the control electronics and operative to select one or more of the data sets representing design items and operative to receive user view selections; a rapid prototyping device coupled to the control electronics and responsive to the selected one or more data sets representing design items to produce physical items; a positioning mechanism operable to accept the produced physical items from the rapid prototyping device and to position the produced physical items in a field; and an image capture device responsive to the received user view selections electronics to selectively image at least a portion of the field corresponding to the received user view selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Edward K. Y. Jung, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 8195868
    Abstract: Enhanced functionality is provided in memory devices by enhancing the control logic to recognize predetermined data sequences. Standard (legacy) device operations are used to communicate the predetermined data sequences, thereby allowing existing device drivers to be used with the enhanced devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics America Inc.
    Inventor: Sami Nassar
  • Patent number: 8190280
    Abstract: A method and appertaining system implement the use of manufacturing protocols for hearing aid design such that the ability to build an instrument can be displayed as a numeric parameter based on the partial numerical and metrological contributions of all the essential parameters of the given impression, and a buildability index can be displayed as a 3D virtual image of the proposed shell or preferred shell types. The method utilizes a predefined parameter table comprising parameters to utilize for a buildability determination. The buildability index is computed based on impression shape data, selected shell type, selected number of device options, data obtained from the parameter table, and data obtained from a receiver table, and the buildability index is output to a display of a user interface device or an external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Corporation
    Inventors: Jörg Bindner, Tong Fang, Eduard Kaiser, Raimund Martin, Fred McBagonluri, Peter Nikles, Therese Velde
  • Patent number: 8180477
    Abstract: A machining status monitoring apparatus is provided on a machine tool, and has an actual CCD camera for imaging the tool and the workpiece and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section having a virtual CCD camera corresponding to the actual CCD camera, in which the tool and workpiece of three-dimensional model are imaged by the virtual CCD camera and virtual two-dimensional image data thereof are generated, and a display control section for receiving from a control device of the machine tool, information relating to the coolant supply state and checking whether coolant is being supplied to the contact portion of the tool and the workpiece, and displaying on a display device actual two-dimensional image data when coolant is not being supplied and displaying on the display device virtual two-dimensional image data when coolant is being supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Xiaodong Tian, Bingyan Zhao, Makoto Fujishima, Zhe Jin
  • Patent number: 8180476
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machining state checking apparatus and method for checking whether a workpiece mounted on a machine tool and a workpiece fixture are shifted. A machining state checking apparatus has an actual CCD camera for imaging a workpiece fixed on a machine tool and a workpiece fixture and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section for generating virtual two-dimensional image data of the workpiece and workpiece fixture based on data on three-dimensional models of the workpiece and workpiece fixture, a comparing section for comparing the actual two-dimensional image data and virtual two-dimensional image data generated by the actual CCD camera and the virtual image generating section, respectively, and determining whether they match each other by comparing the portions corresponding to the workpiece and workpiece fixture in the actual two-dimensional image and the virtual two-dimensional images of the workpiece and workpiece fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Xiaodong Tian, Bingyan Zhao, Makoto Fujishima, Zhe Jin