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US3971954A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ultraviolet camera system for dental photography and mouthpieces therefor
Assignee: Alphametrics Ltd
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Filing: 1974-11-11
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Granted: 1976-07-27
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Expires: 1994-11-11
Abstract
Abstract A source of ultra violet light is directed onto the teeth of a patient via a mouthpiece which engages the gums above and below the tooth lines. A camera is attached and pictures may be taken of the teeth. By detecting differences in ultra violet absorption and reflection on the teeth, the detection of carious lesions may be undertaken in the relatively early stage of their development. Furthermore, deposits of dental plaque may be photographed readily and easily. The mouthpiece which may be disposable, is detachably securable to a base and is shaped at the mouth engaging end to engage the gums and hold the lips clear of the teeth during photography. It may be positioned in several locations relative to the mouth so that all of the teeth may be photographed and a mirror assembly may be attached so that the lingual and occlusal surfaces of the teeth may be photographed.
Inventors
- 👤 Israel Kleinberg
- 👤 Alex Domokos
- 👤 Cosmo Castaldi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/0059; A61B5/0082; A61B5/0088; A61B6/00; A61B6/50; A61B6/51
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for photographing the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent soft tissues, within the mouth of a patient, in conjunction with a camera and comprising in combination a hollow mouthpiece assembly detachably engageable within the said mouth of the patient, a source of ultraviolet light operatively connected to said mouthpiece whereby said ultraviolet light illuminates said teeth, and means to operatively connect said mouthpiece to the associated camera, the wave length of said ultraviolet light being between 200 and 380 nanometers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for photographing the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent soft tissues, within the mouth of a patient, in conjunction with a camera and comprising in combination a hollow mouthpiece assembly detachably engageable within the said mouth of the patient, a source of ultraviolet light operatively connected to said mouthpiece whereby said ultraviolet light illuminates said teeth, and means to operatively connect said mouthpiece to the associated camera, the wave length of said ultraviolet light being between 200 and 380 nanometers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 1 which includes a visible light source and viewing means also operatively connected to said mouthpiece.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The system according to claim 1 in which said mouthpiece includes an apertured base plate, a hollow mouthpiece tube surrounding said aperture and being secured to said base plate, the distal end of said mouthpiece being shaped to engage the upper and lower gums of the patient above the tooth line to prevent extraneous light from entering the mouth and to position the mouthpiece in the desired relationship relative to the associated camera.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system according to claim 3 in which said mouthpiece tube is detachably secured to said base plate, said base plate including an extending flange having a configuration similar to the configuration of the attaching end of said mouthpiece tube, said mouthpiece tube frictionally and telescopically engaging over said extending flange.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 3 which includes a mirror assembly detachably securable to said mouthpiece for enabling photographs to be taken of the lingual and occlusal surfaces of the teeth and adjacent soft tissues.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 4 which includes a mirror assembly detachably securable to said mouthpiece for enabling photographs to be taken of the lingual and occlusal surfaces of the teeth and adjacent soft tissues.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
106 words
The system according to claim 5 in which said mirror assembly includes a mirror, a bracket extending from the lower edge of said mirror and means on the distal end of said bracket detachably securing said mirror to said mouthpiece base, said means including a slotted portion formed on said distal end, and a spring loaded retainer clip on said mouthpiece base detachably engaged by said slotted portion to position said mirror at an angle and spaced from the distal end of said mouthpiece tube, said retaining clip extending from the wall bounding said aperture in said mouthpiece base, said bracket engaging through said mouthpiece tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
106 words
The system according to claim 6 in which said mirror assembly includes a mirror, a bracket extending from the lower edge of said mirror and means on the distal end of said bracket detachably securing said mirror to said mouthpiece base, said means including a slotted portion formed on said distal end, and a spring loaded retainer clip on said mouthpiece base detachably engaged by said slotted portion to position said mirror at an angle and spaced from the distal end of said mouthpiece tube, said retaining clip extending from the wall bounding said aperture in said mouthpiece base, said bracket engaging through said mouthpiece tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
83 words
A mouthpiece assembly for use within the mouth of a patient, a source of ultraviolet light comprising in combination an apertured base plate, a hollow opaque mouthpiece tube surrounding said aperture being secured to said base plate, the distal end of said mouthpiece tube being shaped to engage, simultaneously, the upper and lower gums of the patient above the tooth line to prevent extraneous light from entering the mouth and to position the mouthpiece in the desired relationship relative to the associated camera.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
83 words
A mouthpiece assembly for use within the mouth of a patient, a source of ultraviolet light comprising in combination an apertured base plate, a hollow opaque mouthpiece tube surrounding said aperture being secured to said base plate, the distal end of said mouthpiece tube being shaped to engage, simultaneously, the upper and lower gums of the patient above the tooth line to prevent extraneous light from entering the mouth and to position the mouthpiece in the desired relationship relative to the associated camera.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The mouthpiece assembly according to claim 9 in which said mouthpiece tube is detachably secured to said base plate, said base plate including an extending flange having a configuration similar to the configuration of the attaching end of said mouthpiece tube, said mouthpiece tube frictionally and telescopically engaging over said extending flange.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mouthpiece assembly according to claim 9 which includes a mirror assembly detachably securable to said mouthpiece for enabling photographs to be taken of the lingual and occlusal surfaces of the teeth and adjacent soft tissues.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
106 words
The mouthpiece according to claim 11 in which said mirror assembly includes a mirror, a bracket extending from the lower edge of said mirror and means on the distal end of said bracket detachably securing said mirror to said mouthpiece base, said means including a slotted portion formed on said distal end, and a spring loaded retainer clip on said mouthpiece base detachably engaged by said slotted portion to position said mirror at an angle and spaced from the distal end of said mouthpiece tube, said retaining clip extending from the wall bounding said aperture in said mouthpiece base, said bracket engaging through said mouthpiece tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-27 | 1980-01-26 | 1980-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-27 | 1984-01-26 | 1984-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-27 | 1988-01-26 | 1988-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |