Align Technology, Inc.

United States of America

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2021 4
2020 8
2019 6
Before 2019 28
IPC Class
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions 18
A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers 12
A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor 12
A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same 10
A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry 6
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Status
Pending 24
Registered / In Force 22
Found results for  patents

1.

DIGITAL 3D MODELS OF DENTAL ARCHES WITH ACCURATE ARCH WIDTH

      
Document Number 03163084
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-11-12
Open to Public Date 2021-05-20
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Kopelman, Avi

Abstract

A method of generating a virtual 3D model of a dental arch is provided. The method includes receiving intraoral scans of a dental arch, determining a first depth of a first intraoral 3D surface in a first intraoral scan, and determining a second depth of a second intraoral 3D surface in the first intraoral scan, and wherein there is a fixed distance between the first intraoral 3D surface and the second intraoral 3D surface in the first intraoral scan. The method further includes stitching together the intraoral scans and generating a virtual 3D model of the dental arch from the intraoral scans, wherein the fixed distance between the first intraoral 3D surface and the second intraoral 3D surface is included in the virtual 3D model.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
  • G06T 7/50 - Depth or shape recovery
  • G16H 30/00 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images
  • A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics

2.

DURABLE ORNAMENTAL INDICIA CARRIER

      
Document Number 03153719
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-08-31
Open to Public Date 2021-03-25
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Venkatasanthanam, Sriram
  • Heydarpour, Ramin
  • Morton, John Y.
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cole, Michael Christopher
  • Mojdeh, Mehdi
  • Vanchy, Prashanth
  • Powers, Natalia Lysaya
  • Narin, Sibel
  • Riley, Jeremy

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light ("UV") cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B44C 1/165 - Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; Sheet materials therefor
  • C09J 7/29 - Laminated material
  • A44C 15/00 - Other forms of jewellery
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • B44C 1/00 - Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects

3.

AUTOMATED DETECTION, GENERATION AND/OR CORRECTION OF DENTAL FEATURES IN DIGITAL MODELS

      
Document Number 03153131
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-09-04
Open to Public Date 2021-03-11
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Makiewsky, Igor
  • Weiss, Assaf
  • Volgin, Maxim
  • Agniashvili, Pavel
  • Brown, Chad Clayton
  • Raskhodchikov, Alexander
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Ben-Dov, Moti
  • Farkash, Shai
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Saphier, Ofer

Abstract

Methods and systems are described that mark and/or correct margin lines and/or other features of dental sites. In one example a three-dimensional model of a dental site is generated from intraoral scan data of the dental site, the three-dimensional model comprising a representation of a preparation tooth. An image of the preparation tooth is received or generated, the image comprising a height map. Data from the image is processed using a trained machine learning model that has been trained to identify margin lines of preparation teeth, wherein the trained machine learning model outputs a probability map comprising, for each pixel in the image, a probability that the pixel depicts a margin line. The three-dimensional model of the dental site is then updated by marking the margin line on the representation of the preparation tooth based on the probability map.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06N 3/02 - Neural networks

4.

FULL-SCANNER BARRIER FOR AN INTRA-ORAL DEVICE

      
Document Number 03148808
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-07-29
Open to Public Date 2021-02-04
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shalev, Ariel
  • Green, Eran
  • Ginzburg, Zakhar
  • Durban, Matthew
  • Gorfinkel, Roee
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Verker, Tal
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Ishay, Eran
  • Levy, Raphael

Abstract

Removable barrier devices (e.g., sleeves) for covering medical scanning devices to reduce the chance of cross-contamination between patients and/or to protect the scanning devices from physical damage. The barrier device can include a cover that has an integrated window for passing optical signals between the scanning device and an external environment. The cover can include a sleeve that covers a handle portion of the scanning device to prevent contamination of the handle from a user's hand or glove. The cover and sleeve may both be formed of the same flexible material, or the cover may be rigid to maintain the window in a fixed position and the sleeve may be flexible to allow a user to activate a button or touchpad on the handle. An interface region between the cover and sleeve may provide a hermetic seal. The window may include a nano structured antireflective material to limit internal reflections.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 46/10 - Surgical drapes specially adapted for instruments
  • A61B 1/247 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors
  • A61C 19/02 - Protective casings, e.g. boxes for instruments; Bags
  • A61B 90/94 - Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags coded with symbols, e.g. text

5.

INTRAORAL 3D SCANNER EMPLOYING MULTIPLE MINIATURE CAMERAS AND MULTIPLE MINIATURE PATTERN PROJECTORS

      
Document Number 03142801
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-06-24
Open to Public Date 2020-12-30
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Levy, Tal
  • Peleg, Gal
  • Dafna, Eliran
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Verker, Tal
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Atiya, Yossef

Abstract

A method for generating a 3D image includes driving structured light projector(s) to project a pattern of light on an intraoral 3D surface, and driving camera(s) to capture images, each image including at least a portion of the projected pattern, each one of the camera(s) comprising an array of pixels. A processor compares a series of images captured by each camera and determines which of the portions of the projected pattern can be tracked across the images. The processor constructs a three-dimensional model of the intraoral three-dimensional surface based at least in part on the comparison of the series of images. Other embodiments are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics

6.

VISUAL PRESENTATION OF GINGIVAL LINE GENERATED BASED ON 3D TOOTH MODEL

      
Document Number 03140069
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-05-12
Open to Public Date 2020-11-19
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gao, Yun
  • Shi, Chao
  • Li, Yingjie
  • Bushev, Andrey

Abstract

Systems and methods of simulating dental treatments are disclosed. A method may include capturing a first 2D image of a patient's face, including the patient's teeth, building a parametric 3D model of the patient's teeth and gingiva based on the first 2D image, developing a simulated outcome of a dental treatment of the patient's teeth by rendering the parametric 3D model with the patient's teeth in one or more positions and/or orientations corresponding to the treatment goals of the dental treatment plan, and rendering a second 2D image of the patient's face with gingiva and teeth according to a simulated outcome of the dental treatment plan. As noted herein, the dental treatment plan may include orthodontic and/or restorative elements. The simulated outcome may correspond to estimated outcomes and/or intended outcomes of the dental treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
  • A61B 34/10 - Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

7.

INTRAORAL SCANNER SLEEVE AUTHENTICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

      
Document Number 03133657
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-04-06
Open to Public Date 2020-10-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Levin, Adi
  • Zulti, Arad
  • Hsieh, Arthur

Abstract

Apparatuses, including sleeves, intraoral scanning systems to use these sleeves, and methods of using the sleeve, that authenticate the sleeve for use with an intraoral scanning system. Authentication may include verifying that the sleeve is new (unused) and/or verifying that the sleeve is appropriate and/or intended for use with the intraoral scanning system. Once authenticated, operation parameters of the intraoral scanning system can be automatically set based on information from a scanned identifier on the sleeve.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

8.

VARIOUS STRUCTURED SUPPORTS FOR 3D PRINTED ALIGNERS/MOUTH PIECES

      
Document Number 03134060
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-03-25
Open to Public Date 2020-10-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chavez, Jennifer
  • Webber, Peter
  • Yu, Zhou (jonelle)
  • Lim, Tzishing Jesse
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Yau, Eric

Abstract

A support is coupled to an appliance to decrease warpage. The support may comprise a plurality of extensions coupled to the appliance to decrease warpage. The extensions can be coupled to the appliance at one or more of many locations, such as on an occlusal surface, a wall, an edge or an interior of the appliance. In some embodiments, the extensions are coupled to walls of the appliance such as a buccal wall and a lingual wall, and the extensions can be coupled to the walls of the appliance near edges of the walls, such as a gingivally facing edges of the walls that are oriented toward the gingiva when the appliance is worn.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/10 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B29C 64/188 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control
  • B29C 64/40 - Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

9.

AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF DOCTOR'S PREFERENCES WORKFLOW USING STATISTICAL PREFERENCE ANALYSIS

      
Document Number 03129333
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-03-20
Open to Public Date 2020-09-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Roschin, Roman A.
  • Karnygin, Evgenii Vladimirovich
  • Kirsanov, Dmitry
  • Yazykov, Grigoriy
  • Sabirov, Ilfat
  • Matvienko, Ruslan
  • Paraketsov, Vasily

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for automatic treatment planning, including recommendation systems, quality assurance, error prevention, text mining, text matching, and treatment planning optimization.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 20/00 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
  • G16H 50/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

10.

FOREIGN OBJECT IDENTIFICATION AND IMAGE AUGMENTATION AND/OR FILTERING FOR INTRAORAL SCANNING

      
Document Number 03130463
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-03-05
Open to Public Date 2020-09-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael

Abstract

In a method of generating a virtual 3D model of a dental site, scan data comprising a plurality of images of a dental site is received during an intraoral scan. An analysis of an image is performed. A representation of a foreign object possibly with known properties is identified in the image based on the analysis. A virtual 3D model of the dental site is generated based on the plurality of images. The image and/or the virtual 3D model of the dental site is modified by adding additional data about the foreign object to or removing data for the foreign object from the intraoral image and/or the virtual 3D model. If the image is modified, it may be modified prior to generation of the virtual 3D model, and the virtual 3D model may be generated using the modified image.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

11.

ALIGNER DAMAGE PREDICTION AND MITIGATION

      
Document Number 03112338
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-09-27
Open to Public Date 2020-04-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Yuxiang
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Shirazi Aghjari, Reza
  • Jang, Andrew
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Sato, Jun
  • Cai, Luyao
  • Medvinskaya, Viktoria
  • Kukk, Arno
  • Cherkas, Andrey
  • Akopova, Anna
  • Su, Kangning

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an aligner breakage solution. A method includes obtaining a digital design of a polymeric aligner for a dental arch of a patient. The polymeric aligner is shaped to apply forces to teeth of the dental arch. The method also includes performing an analysis on the digital design of the polymeric aligner using at least one of a) a trained machine learning model, b) a numerical simulation, c) a geometry evaluator or d) a rules engine. The method may also include determining, based on the analysis, whether the digital design of the polymeric aligner includes probable points of damage, wherein for a probable point of damage there is a threshold probability that breakage, deformation, or warpage will occur. The method may also include, responsive to determining that the digital design of the polymeric aligner comprises probable points of damage, performing corrective actions based on the probable points of damage.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

12.

PROVIDING A SIMULATED OUTCOME OF DENTAL TREATMENT ON A PATIENT

      
Document Number 03103632
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-05-01
Open to Public Date 2020-01-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Li, Yingjie
  • Shi, Chao
  • Relic, Zelko
  • Stocks, Michael Alan
  • Bushev, Andrey
  • Xue, Ya
  • Meyer, Eric P.

Abstract

Systems and methods of simulating dental treatments are disclosed. A method may include capturing a first 2D image of a patient`s face, including the patient`s teeth, building a parametric 3D model of the patient`s teeth based on the 2D image, developing a simulated outcome of a dental treatment of the patient`s teeth by rendering the 3D model with the patient`s teeth in one or more positions and/or orientations corresponding to the treatment goals of the dental treatment plan, and rendering a second 2D image of the patient`s face with teeth according to a simulated outcome of the dental treatment plan. As noted herein, the dental treatment plan may include orthodontic and/or restorative elements. The simulated outcome may correspond to estimated outcomes and/or intended outcomes of the dental treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

13.

INTRAORAL 3D SCANNER EMPLOYING MULTIPLE MINIATURE CAMERAS AND MULTIPLE MINIATURE PATTERN PROJECTORS

      
Document Number 03102275
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-06-21
Open to Public Date 2019-12-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Atiya, Yossef
  • Rudnitsky, Arkady
  • Makmel, Nir
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Verker, Tal
  • Lampert, Erez
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Levy, Tal

Abstract

An apparatus for intraoral scanning includes an elongate handheld wand that has a probe. One or more light projectors and two or more cameras are disposed within the probe. The light projectors each has a pattern generating optical element, which may use diffraction or refraction to form a light pattern. Each camera may be configured to focus between 1 mm and 30 mm from a lens that is farthest from the camera sensor. Other applications are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

14.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING CUSTOMIZED RUN DISPLAY ELEMENTS WITH TREATMENT TEMPLATES BASED ON TREATMENT DOMAIN-SPECIFIC PROTOCOLS

      
Document Number 03096502
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-04-30
Open to Public Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Levin, Adi
  • Lapshin, Anton
  • Foroodian, Behnam J.
  • Meyer, Eric P.
  • Tenzin, Konstantin
  • Chekhonin, Andrey
  • Sterental, Rene M.
  • Sokolov, Pavel
  • Ramos, Jason
  • Malashkin, Evgeniy
  • Sivakova, Anna
  • Flanagan, Michael

Abstract

The example systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein help with design treatment plans for orthodontic treatments. Treatment templates expressed according to treatment domain-specific protocols may be processed to provide treatment planning software, including automated or real-time treatment planning software, that accommodates treatment preferences of a practitioner and/or patient data relevant to a treatment plan. These methods and systems may be also be useful for planning, designing and producing as series of dental appliances (e.g., aligners).

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

15.

CURABLE COMPOSITION FOR USE IN A HIGH TEMPERATURE LITHOGRAPHY-BASED PHOTOPOLYMERIZATION PROCESS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING CROSSLINKED POLYMERS THEREFROM

      
Document Number 03098621
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-05-03
Open to Public Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liska, Robert
  • Gorsche, Christian
  • Harakaly, Gyorgy
  • Kury, Markus
  • Stampfl, Jurgen
  • Dorfinger, Peter
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Kaza, Srinivas

Abstract

Provided herein are curable compositions for use in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, a method of producing crosslinked polymers using said curable compositions, crosslinked polymers thus produced, and orthodontic appliances comprising the crosslinked polymers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08F 290/06 - Polymers provided for in subclass
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B29C 64/124 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • C08J 3/24 - Crosslinking, e.g. vulcanising, of macromolecules
  • C08J 3/28 - Treatment by wave energy or particle radiation
  • C08L 51/08 - Compositions of graft polymers in which the grafted component is obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers grafted on to macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds

16.

POLYMERIZABLE MONOMERS AND METHOD OF POLYMERIZING THE SAME

      
Document Number 03098622
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-05-03
Open to Public Date 2019-11-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liska, Robert
  • Gorsche, Christian
  • Kury, Markus
  • Chen, Yan
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Kaza, Srinivas

Abstract

Provided herein are photopolymerizable monomers, optionally for use as reactive diluents in a high temperature lithography-based photopolymerization process, a method of producing polymers using said photopolymerizable monomers, the polymers thus produced, and orthodontic appliances comprising the polymers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C08F 20/30 - Esters containing oxygen in addition to the carboxy oxygen containing aromatic rings in the alcohol moiety
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
  • A61K 6/889 - Polycarboxylate cements; Glass ionomer cements
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • C07C 69/90 - Esters of carboxylic acids having an esterified carboxyl group bound to a carbon atom of a six-membered aromatic ring of monocyclic hydroxy carboxylic acids, the hydroxy groups and the carboxyl groups of which are bound to carbon atoms of a six-membered aromatic ring with esterified hydroxyl and carboxyl groups
  • C08F 2/00 - Processes of polymerisation
  • C08F 2/46 - Polymerisation initiated by wave energy or particle radiation

17.

RELEASABLE PALATAL EXPANDERS

      
Document Number 03096417
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-04-10
Open to Public Date 2019-10-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Kimura, Ryan
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Riley, Jeremy
  • Sato, Jun
  • Grove, Bob
  • Shirazi Aghjari, Reza

Abstract

Releasable and removable palatal expander apparatuses (100) for expanding a patient's palate ("palatal expanders") and methods of using and making them. These releasable palatal expanders (100) are adapted for ease in removal by the patient or caregiver, and may include a breach region (167) configured to predictably bend or break when a pulling force is applied. The palatal expander apparatuses (100) described herein may include one or more locks for locking the palatal expander onto the patient's teeth. The lock(s) may be unlocked to release the palatal expander from the teeth. A lock may include a control for manually unlocking the lock. Unlocking the locks may allow the palatal expander to automatically disengage from the patient's teeth.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders

18.

DIAGNOSTIC INTRAORAL SCANNING AND TRACKING

      
Document Number 03086553
Status Pending
Filing Date 2019-01-25
Open to Public Date 2019-08-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Elbaz, Gilad
  • Weiss, Assaf
  • Malka, Doron
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Nizard, Eliahou, Franklin
  • Tishel, Ido
  • Ayal, Shai
  • Moshe, Maayan

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
  • G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics

19.

LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION UNDER LIMITED ACCURACY SYSTEM

      
Document Number 03052481
Status Pending
Filing Date 2018-02-15
Open to Public Date 2018-08-23
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ozerov, Sergei
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Levin, Adi
  • Razumovskiy, Pavel
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Dyachenko, Mikhail
  • Sterental, Rene M.
  • Dey, Partha
  • Roschin, Roman A.
  • Gavrilov, Anton
  • Grechishnikov, Leonid Vyacheslavovich

Abstract

Processing logic makes a comparison between first image data and second image data of a dental arch and determines a plurality of spatial differences between a first representation of the dental arch in the first image data and a second representation of the dental arch in the second image data. The processing logic determines that a first spatial difference is attributable to scanner inaccuracy and that a second spatial difference is attributable to a clinical change to the dental arch. The processing logic generates a third representation of the dental arch that is a modified version of the second representation, wherein the first spatial difference is removed in the third representation, and wherein the third representation comprises a visual enhancement that accentuates the second spatial difference.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

20.

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CUSTOMIZING RAPID PALATAL EXPANDERS USING DIGITAL MODELS

      
Document Number 03043049
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-12-04
Open to Public Date 2018-06-07
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wu, Fuming
  • Kimura, Ryan
  • Riley, Jeremy
  • Shanjani, Yaser
  • Su, Norman
  • Sato, Jun
  • Pesenti, Bastien
  • Morton, John Y.
  • Cheng, Jihua

Abstract

Methods for designing and fabrication of a series of apparatuses for expanding a patient's palate ("palatal expanders"). In particular, described herein are methods and apparatuses for forming palatal expanders, including rapid palatal expanders, as well as series of palatal expanders formed as described herein and apparatuses for designing and fabricating them.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/10 - Devices having means to apply outwardly directed force, e.g. expanders
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

21.

INTRAORAL SCANNER WITH DENTAL DIAGNOSTICS CAPABILITIES

      
Document Number 03030676
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-07-27
Open to Public Date 2018-02-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Elbaz, Gilad
  • Lampert, Erez
  • Atiya, Yossef
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Saphier, Ofer
  • Moshe, Maayan
  • Ayal, Shai

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for generating a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth) including both surface features and internal features. These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth. Any of these methods and apparatuses may use minimum scattering coefficients and/or segmentation to form a volumetric model of the teeth.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • G06T 15/08 - Volume rendering

22.

METHOD FOR TRACKING, PREDICTING, AND PROACTIVELY CORRECTING MALOCCLUSION AND RELATED ISSUES

      
Document Number 02989987
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-01-05
Open to Public Date 2017-01-26
Grant Date 2023-09-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Mason, David
  • Brandt, Douglas

Abstract

Methods and systems for predicting a future dental or orthodontic condition(s) are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for calculating a future position of an intraoral object of a patient's intraoral cavity is provided. The method can comprise receiving first and second digital data representative of an actual state of the intraoral cavity at first and second time points. The method can comprise processing data including the first and second digital data so as to determine a velocity of an intraoral object of the intraoral cavity over the first and second time points. A future position of the intraoral object at a future time point can be determined based on the velocity.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
  • G16H 50/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61B 34/10 - Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations

23.

AUTOMATIC SELECTION AND LOCKING OF INTRAORAL IMAGES

      
Document Number 02978681
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-03-04
Open to Public Date 2016-09-15
Grant Date 2020-03-31
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael

Abstract

A processing device receives an intraoral image of a first intraoral site and determines an identity of the first intraoral site. The processing device then locks the intraoral image and selects a portion of the intraoral image depicting a portion of the first intraoral site based at least in part on the identity of the first intraoral site. The processing device may then generate a model comprising the first intraoral site based at least in part on the locked intraoral image, wherein the portion of the locked intraoral image is used for a first region of the model, and wherein data from one or more additional intraoral images that also depict the portion of the first intraoral site is not used for the first region of the model.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 5/77 - Methods or devices for making crowns
  • G06T 7/13 - Edge detection
  • A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
  • A61C 13/38 - Tools not otherwise provided for, for use in connection with dental prostheses or the making thereof 
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry

24.

PRIMER ALIGNER STAGES FOR LAG ISSUE RESOLUTION IN LOW-STAGE CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENTS

      
Document Number 02976592
Status Pending
Filing Date 2016-02-23
Open to Public Date 2016-09-01
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Morton, John
  • Maura, Angelo
  • Derakhshan, Mitra

Abstract

A set of primer appliances and a set of treatment appliances to be worn by a subject are provided. The primer appliances are first worn to prepare the local environment of the teeth for further repositioning of the teeth by the treatment appliances. The primer appliances may apply compression to the periodontal ligament, in a direction favorable for achieving the desired final position of a tooth. The compression may generate a biological response in the local environment of the teeth. The primer appliances may cause minimal or no repositioning of the teeth. The treatment appliances are worn to reposition the teeth from an initial position to an end position of a treatment stage. The primer appliances can improve the efficiency and accuracy of tooth movement by the treatment appliances.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers

25.

ORTHODONTIC ALIGNER WITH ISOLATED SEGMENTS

      
Document Number 02967182
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-11-11
Open to Public Date 2016-05-19
Grant Date 2021-06-15
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Webber, Peter
  • Chen, Jennifer C.
  • Chen, Yan

Abstract

A segmented orthodontic aligner includes at least a first segment and a second segment. Each segment is shaped to fit over a set of teeth of a patient. The segmented aligner further includes a connector that joins the first segment to the second segment. The connector isolates the transmission of force between the first segment and the second segment.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

26.

APPARATUS FOR DENTAL CONFOCAL IMAGING

      
Document Number 02949448
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-07-01
Open to Public Date 2016-01-14
Grant Date 2019-03-12
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Atiya, Yossef
  • Verker, Tal
  • Makmel, Nir

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.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
  • G02B 6/00 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
  • G02B 17/00 - Systems with reflecting surfaces, with or without refracting elements

27.

MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR OPTICS

      
Document Number 02953063
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-06-24
Open to Public Date 2015-12-30
Grant Date 2019-02-26
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Boltanski, Rami

Abstract

An optical system comprises a detector to determine one or more intensities of light impinging on one or more locations of the detector and an optical element to redirect light towards the detector along a detection axis. The detector and optical element are coupled together by three or more substantially flat flexures respectively defining three or more flexure planes parallel to the detection axis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02B 26/10 - Scanning systems
  • A61B 1/247 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors
  • A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
  • A61C 13/34 - Making or working of models, e.g. preliminary castings, trial dentures; Dowel pins
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
  • G02B 27/10 - Beam splitting or combining systems
  • H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components

28.

LENS POSITIONING SYSTEM

      
Document Number 02950968
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-06-03
Open to Public Date 2015-12-10
Grant Date 2020-10-06
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Boltanski, Rami

Abstract

An actuator (100) includes an inner element (120) coupled to an outer element (110) by a linear-motion bearing (115) that provides a single degree of translational movement of the inner element with respect to the outer element along a longitudinal axis (10). The inner element includes a permanent magnet (122) and the outer element includes a conductive winding (111) with a first coil (112a) wound in first direction around a first pole (124a) of the permanent magnet and a second coil (112b) wound in a second direction around a second pole (124b) of the permanent magnet. The actuator may be used in an intraoral scanner.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 41/02 - Linear motors; Sectional motors
  • A61B 1/045 - Control thereof
  • A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor

29.

IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF INTEREST DURING INTRAORAL SCANS

      
Document Number 02946815
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-05-07
Open to Public Date 2015-11-12
Grant Date 2020-04-14
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kopelman, Avi
  • Sabina, Michael
  • Levin, Adi
  • Minchenkov, Mikhail
  • Anufrienko, Maria

Abstract

During an intraoral scan session, a processing device receives a first intraoral image of a dental site and identifies a candidate intraoral area of interest from the first intraoral image. The processing device receives a second intraoral image of the dental site and verifies the first candidate intraoral area of interest as an intraoral area of interest based on comparison of the second intraoral image to the first intraoral image. The processing device then provides an indication of the intraoral area of interest during the intraoral scan session.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61B 6/03 - Computerised tomographs
  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 13/34 - Making or working of models, e.g. preliminary castings, trial dentures; Dowel pins
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

30.

THERMAL DEFOGGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

      
Document Number 02940173
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-02-20
Open to Public Date 2015-09-03
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Makmel, Nir

Abstract

A thermal defogging system and method for an optical instrument is described. In one embodiment, the thermal defogging system for an optical instrument is comprised of: at least a primary housing, the primary housing defining an aperture for transmission of optical signals, a transparent element adapted to be aligned with the aperture for transmission of optical signals, at least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment; and a transparent conductive layer covering an area at least as large as the optical footprint of the transmitted optical signal through the transparent element, wherein responsive to the application of electrical power to the transparent conductive layer, the transparent conductive layer generates heat that is thermally communicated to the least one side of the transparent element facing the external environment.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05B 3/84 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
  • A61B 1/12 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements

31.

TREATMENT PLAN SPECIFIC BITE ADJUSTMENT STRUCTURES

      
Document Number 02940174
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-02-20
Open to Public Date 2015-08-27
Grant Date 2020-07-14
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tanugula, Rohit
  • Morton, John
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Pesenti, Bastien
  • Cheng, Jihua
  • Choi, Jeeyoung

Abstract

A series of appliances including a first shell and a second shell can be designed to incrementally implement a treatment plan. The first and second shells can have cavities designed to receive teeth of a jaw. A first number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the first shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of a second jaw. The first number of bite adjustment structures can have a first shape and location specific to a first stage of the treatment plan. A second number of bite adjustment structures can be formed of a same material as the second shell, extending therefrom and designed to interface with teeth of the second jaw. The second number of bite adjustment structures can have a second shape and location, different than the first shape and location, specific to a second stage of the treatment plan.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/36 - Devices acting between upper and lower teeth

32.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING COLOR IMAGES

      
Document Number 02918699
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-07-30
Open to Public Date 2015-02-05
Grant Date 2017-12-05
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Moalem, Yosi

Abstract

Generating in-focus color images by scanning the focal length and acquiring multiple color images with different focal planes. The in- focus image generated from these multiple images is suitable to be combined with a scanning confocal three dimensional measurement performed by the same system. Teh system can be used for intra-oral scanning.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
  • A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
  • A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof

33.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DENTAL PROCEDURES

      
Document Number 02894771
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-12-17
Open to Public Date 2014-06-26
Grant Date 2021-07-13
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Kopelman, Avi

Abstract

A device including a coded pattern for use in dental procedures is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 19/045 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry for recording mandibular movement, e.g. face bows

34.

A METHOD AND A SYSTEM USABLE IN CREATING A SUBSEQUENT DENTAL APPLIANCE

      
Document Number 02881620
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-08-23
Open to Public Date 2014-03-13
Grant Date 2021-03-09
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Kuo, Eric

Abstract

A current digital dental model is received that includes a representation of the set of physical teeth for the patient with the current dental appliance attached to the physical teeth or oral cavity. The current digital dental model is a direct digital scan of the set of physical teeth and the current dental appliance. The physical teeth are at a position in treatment when all or a part of the current dental appliance is desired to be removed from one or more of the set of physical teeth and it is desired to use a subsequent appliance. The current digital dental model is created based a new digital dental model that includes the representation of the set of physical teeth without including the current dental appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 9/00 - Impression methods specially adapted for dental prosthetics; Impression cups therefor
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

35.

MULTI-LAYER FILM WITH IMPROVED MODULUS PROPERTIES

      
Document Number 03125260
Status Pending
Filing Date 2013-05-10
Open to Public Date 2013-11-21
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Pudleiner, Heinz
  • Meyer, Klaus
  • Winkler, Jurgen
  • Brauer, Wolfgang
  • Nickel, Joerg
  • Pehlert, Craig
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Chen, Yan

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a multi-layer, preferably co-extruded, plastic film with improved modulus properties, which is suitable, in particular, for producing three- dimensionally shaped articles. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-19

IPC Classes  ?

  • B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
  • B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
  • B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
  • B32B 27/36 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyesters
  • B32B 27/40 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes

36.

MULTI-LAYER FILM WITH IMPROVED MODULUS PROPERTIES

      
Document Number 03060733
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-10
Open to Public Date 2013-11-21
Grant Date 2021-08-24
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Pudleiner, Heinz
  • Meyer, Klaus
  • Winkler, Jurgen
  • Nickel, Joerg
  • Pehlert, Craig
  • Li, Chunhua
  • Chen, Yan
  • Brauer, Wolfgang

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-layer, preferably co-extruded, plastic film with improved modulus properties, which is suitable, in particular, for producing three-dimensionally shaped articles.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
  • B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
  • B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
  • B32B 27/36 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyesters
  • B32B 27/40 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes

37.

IDENTIFYING FORCES ON A TOOTH

      
Document Number 02862749
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-02-01
Open to Public Date 2013-08-08
Grant Date 2020-09-08
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Faradjev, Igor
  • Pesenti, Bastien
  • Geyn, Sergey
  • Tenzin, Konstantin

Abstract

The present disclosure includes computing device related, systems, and methods for identifying force placed on a tooth are described herein. One method includes receiving initial orthodontic data (lOD) including teeth data; creating a virtual set of teeth from the lOD; receiving dental appliance information including at least one of dental appliance material properties and characteristics; virtually placing a dental appliance, formed from the dental appliance information, onto the virtual set of teeth; and determining one or more forces applied to the teeth based on information from the lOD and dental appliance information.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry

38.

LASER CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LASER CUTTING

      
Document Number 03123069
Status Pending
Filing Date 2012-09-18
Open to Public Date 2013-03-28
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Culp, James

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a trimmed dental appliance and a laser cutting system for trimming a dental appliance is disclosed. The method involves forming a dental appliance of a series of dental appliances, the series of dental appliances corresponding to a patient-specific treatment plan for incrementally moving teeth. The method also involves identifying a cut path for trimming excess material from the dental appliance, determining, based on the cut path, adjustment instructions for adjusting at least one of a laser, an optical component, or a fixture holding the dental appliance, to cut along the cut path and trim the excess material from the dental appliance. The method further involves trimming the excess material from the dental appliance along the cut path with the laser while adjusting at least one of the laser, the optical component, and the fixture holding the dental appliance according to the adjustment instructions.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 13/38 - Tools not otherwise provided for, for use in connection with dental prostheses or the making thereof 
  • B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
  • B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor
  • B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting

39.

LASER CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LASER CUTTING

      
Document Number 02855738
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-09-18
Open to Public Date 2013-03-28
Grant Date 2021-08-10
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor Culp, James

Abstract

Laser cutting systems (10) and methods are described herein. One or more systems include a laser generating component (102), an optical component (122), a fixture (104) for holding a support with a part (106) positioned on the support, and a control mechanism (128) for adjusting at least one of the laser generating component (102), the optical component (122), and the fixture (104) 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.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B23K 26/38 - Removing material by boring or cutting
  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 13/38 - Tools not otherwise provided for, for use in connection with dental prostheses or the making thereof 
  • B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
  • B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor

40.

ORTHODONTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING PARAMETRIC ATTACHMENTS

      
Document Number 02740808
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-11-20
Open to Public Date 2010-05-27
Grant Date 2016-04-05
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Morton, John
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Cao, Heng
  • Kimura, Ryan
  • Cheng, Jihua
  • Pesenti, Bastien

Abstract

Orthodontic systems and related methods are disclosed for designing and providing improved or more effective tooth moving systems for eliciting a desired tooth movement and/or repositioning teeth into a desired arrangement. Methods and orthodontic systems of the invention include tooth attachments having improved or optimized parameters selected or modified for more optimal and/or effective application of forces for a desired/selected orthodontic movement. Attachments of the present invention can be customized to a particular patient (e.g., patient- customized), a particular movement, and/or a sub-group or sub-set of patients, and configured to engage an orthodontic tooth positioning appliance worn by a patient, where engagement between the attachment and orthodontic appliance results in application of a repositioning force or series/system of forces to the tooth having the attachment and will generally elicit a tooth movement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

41.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMISING DENTAL ALIGNER GEOMETRY

      
Document Number 02713692
Status In Force
Filing Date 2009-01-29
Open to Public Date 2009-08-06
Grant Date 2015-04-28
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Morton, John Y.
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Cao, Heng

Abstract

Method and system for establishing an initial position of a tooth, determining a target position of the tooth in a treatment plan, calculating a movement vector associated with the tooth movement from the initial position to the target position, determining a plurality of components corresponding to the movement vector, and determining a corresponding one or more positions of a respective one or more attachment devices relative to a surface plane of the tooth such that the one or more attachment devices engages with a dental appliance are provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions

42.

PROSTHODONTIC AND ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS

      
Document Number 02702213
Status In Force
Filing Date 2007-10-12
Open to Public Date 2009-04-16
Grant Date 2016-11-15
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Cheng, Jihua
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Alvarez, Carlos
  • Kakavand, Ali

Abstract

System and method for developing a treatment plan for achieving a treatment goal including creating a virtual model of a dental patient's dentition, transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual prosthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal, transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual orthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal, iterating on the transforming steps until substantially achieving the treatment goal, and generating an orthodontic treatment plan and a prosthodontic treatment plan based upon the substantially achieved treatment goal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/08 - Mouthpiece-type retainers
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same

43.

PROSTHODONTIC AND ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS

      
Document Number 02820539
Status In Force
Filing Date 2007-10-12
Open to Public Date 2009-04-16
Grant Date 2015-03-31
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Cheng, Jihua
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Alvarez, Carlos
  • Kakavand, Ali

Abstract

System and method for developing a treatment plan for achieving a treatment goal including creating a virtual model of a dental patient's dentition; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual prosthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; transforming the virtual model of the dentition using virtual orthodontics to facilitate achievement of the treatment goal; iterating on the transforming steps until substantially achieving the treatment goal; and generating an orthodontic treatment plan and a prosthodontic treatment plan based upon the substantially achieved treatment goal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 13/00 - Dental prostheses; Making same
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61C 13/38 - Tools not otherwise provided for, for use in connection with dental prostheses or the making thereof 

44.

PROSTHODONTIC AND ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND METHODS

      
Document Number 02870360
Status In Force
Filing Date 2007-10-12
Open to Public Date 2009-04-16
Grant Date 2017-12-12
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kuo, Eric
  • Cheng, Jihua
  • Matov, Vadim
  • Alvarez, Carlos
  • Kakavand, Ali

Abstract

A system and method for using a computer to generate dental information of a patient is disclosed. The method involves receiving a virtual digital model of a patient's dentition in a first configuration, the dentition including at least one tooth having a reference volume. The method also involves causing the computer to generate a model volume created as the at least one tooth travels from the first configuration to a second configuration, and causing the computer to subtract the reference volume from the model volume to yield a build-up volume.

IPC Classes  ?

45.

ROOT-BASED TOOTH MOVING SEQUENCING

      
Document Number 02560187
Status In Force
Filing Date 2005-03-08
Open to Public Date 2005-10-13
Grant Date 2013-09-10
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Abolfathi, Amir
  • Beers, Andrew C.

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for repositioning the teeth of a patient by providing a digital model of each tooth of the patient; determining one or more root parameters from the digital model; and digitally moving one or more tooth models and evaluating a treatment outcome based on one or more root movement clinical constraints.

IPC Classes  ?

  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • A61B 34/10 - Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
  • A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry

46.

DENTAL DATA MINING

      
Document Number 02557573
Status In Force
Filing Date 2005-02-22
Open to Public Date 2005-09-15
Grant Date 2012-07-17
Owner ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kuo, Eric E.
  • De Smedt, Philippe
  • Van Nguyen, Cuong
  • Overton, Christopher W.

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed providing a database comprising a compendium of at least one of patient treatment history; orthodontic therapies, orthodontic information and diagnostics; employing a data mining technique for interrogating said database for generating an output data stream, the output data stream correlating a patient malocclusion with an orthodontic treatment; and applying the output data stream to improve a dental appliance or a dental appliance usage.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
  • G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
  • G16H 50/50 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
  • G16H 50/70 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients
  • A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
  • G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
  • G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
  • G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment