US4219619A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vibrating dental instrument for setting crowns
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-09-08
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Granted: 1980-08-26
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Expires: 1998-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A vibrator utilizing a disposable bite probe subject to vibrations of the vibrator is used to seat crowns, bridges and the like. After cement has been applied to the underside of the crown and the prepared tooth surface and the crown initially positioned, the bite probe is received between the crown and opposing teeth in the patient's mouth or dentist's finger in the absence of opposing teeth, the patient or dentist applying pressure on the bite probe. When the vibrator is energized, the vibrations express excess cement working the crown down into a proper and secure position on the patient's tooth. Continued pressure on the bite probe by the patient and/or dentist holds the bite probe in position, the vibrator itself being disconnected from the probe and the probe itself being retained in a stationary position for a sufficient length of time to assure proper seating of the crown as the cement hardens.
Inventors
- 👤 Merle C. Zarow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C1/00; A61C1/02; A61C1/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
A vibrating dental instrument for seating crowns wherein the inner, overlying surface of the crown is coated with cement and the prepared exposed surface of the patient's tooth to receive the crown is similarly coated with cement, comprising, in combination: (a) a vibrator having a frequency of vibration of from 20-100 vibrations per second and having a nose coupling including a threaded opening subject to vibration when said vibrator is energized; (b) a mandrel having a threaded end threadedly receivable in said threaded opening; and (c) a removable bite probe having one end portion receivable over said mandrel and its opposite end portion receivable in a patient's mouth between said patient's tooth after said crown has been positioned thereon and the opposing tooth in the patient's mouth, such that the patient can apply pressure by biting on said bite probe, the vibrations imparted to said bite probe upon energization of said vibrator being communicated to said crown to work it into proper position over said tooth, after which said bite probe is retained between the patient's teeth and the vibrator pulled away from said one end portion of the bite probe so that the crown has an opportunity to set with pressure still being applied through said bite probe by the patient.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
A vibrating dental instrument for seating crowns wherein the inner, overlying surface of the crown is coated with cement and the prepared exposed surface of the patient's tooth to receive the crown is similarly coated with cement, comprising, in combination: (a) a vibrator having a frequency of vibration of from 20-100 vibrations per second and having a nose coupling including a threaded opening subject to vibration when said vibrator is energized; (b) a mandrel having a threaded end threadedly receivable in said threaded opening; and (c) a removable bite probe having one end portion receivable over said mandrel and its opposite end portion receivable in a patient's mouth between said patient's tooth after said crown has been positioned thereon and the opposing tooth in the patient's mouth, such that the patient can apply pressure by biting on said bite probe, the vibrations imparted to said bite probe upon energization of said vibrator being communicated to said crown to work it into proper position over said tooth, after which said bite probe is retained between the patient's teeth and the vibrator pulled away from said one end portion of the bite probe so that the crown has an opportunity to set with pressure still being applied through said bite probe by the patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
132 words
The subject matter of claim 1, in which said nose coupling further includes a cylindrical cap receivable in said threaded opening and defining a smooth cylindrical bore; and an alternate removable bite probe comprising an elongated cylindrical core of a first plastic-like material having one end portion frictionally receivable in said bore; and a sleeve of a second plastic-like material surrounding the remaining portion of said core, the material of said cylindrical core being harder than the material of said sleeve such that bite pressure on said sleeve deforms the opposite areas in contact with the crown and opposing tooth to increase the engagement area whereby the alternate removable bite probe can be optionally used in place of said first mentioned bite probe by insertion of said cap in said threaded opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
The subject matter of claim 1, in which said bite probe has one end portion in the form of an elongated cylindrical tube comprising said one end portion receivable over said mandrel, the inside diameter of said cylindrical tube is greater than the outside diameter of said mandrel to leave a small annular clearance between said mandrel and tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The subject matter of claim 3, in which said bite probe has a shaped portion spaced from said one end portion for positioning between a patient's teeth; and disposable pad means with self-adhesive backings for affixing to at least one of the surfaces of said shaped portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
The subject matter of claim 1 in which said vibrator incorporates a rechargeable battery; a direct current motor; an eccentric weight mounted to the shaft of said motor; and a manually operable switch for connecting said battery to energize said motor, there being included opposed zener diodes connected across the input leads to said motor to inhibit switch arcing from back generated induction voltage.
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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) | 1983-08-26 | 1984-02-25 | 1984-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-02-25 | 1988-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-26 | 1992-02-25 | 1992-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |