US6582225B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dental diagnosis and dispensing apparatus and a system and a method for providing same
Assignee: Ortho Tain Inc
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Filing: 2000-10-11
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Granted: 2003-06-24
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Expires: 2020-10-11
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for providing a dental diagnosis and/or a dental appliance to a user by examining a portion of a mouth of the user. To this end, the apparatus, system and method evaluate images whether digital, still, video, digital x-ray or the like, of the portion of the mouth to determine if a medical condition may be cured and/or corrected by a dental appliance stored within a machine and capable of being dispensed from the machine. The apparatus, system and method may evaluate the condition of a user from images of a single tooth. Moreover, evaluation of the images may be performed by the central processing unit of the apparatus or by an outside source, by having the images transmitted via, for example, the internet, electronic mail, telephony, satellite, or other means, to another computer or individual. The user may also take images of his mouth while positioning a ruler or other measuring device adjacent to the mouth. The images may then be transmitted to an individual and/or a central processing unit for diagnosis. In addition, the system may provide a wafer or tray which the user may position in his mouth to make an impression. The wafer or tray, or an image of the wafer or tray, may then be sent to an individual and/or a central processing unit. Also, a user may position a film within his mouth and transmit the film or an image of the film to an individual and/or central processing unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl O. Bergersen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C7/00; A61C19/00; A61C19/04; A61C7/002; A61C9/00; A61C9/0006; A61C9/004; A61C9/0046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 85
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user and dispensing one of a plurality of differently sized dental appliances worn in a mouth of the user wherein a portion of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances are included within each of three orthodontic states, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of the three orthodontic states wherein one of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances is dispensed for the orthodontic state of the user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user and dispensing one of a plurality of differently sized dental appliances worn in a mouth of the user wherein a portion of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances are included within each of three orthodontic states, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of the three orthodontic states wherein one of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances is dispensed for the orthodontic state of the user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: input means for entering information into the central processing unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a payment device programmed to receive payment from the user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the image of the portion of the mouth of the user is an image of a single tooth of the user.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the image obtained by the image capturing device wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the image obtained by the image capturing device wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: input means entering information into the central processing unit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: a payment device programmed to receive payment from the user.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the central processing unit is programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: input means for entering information into the central processing unit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: a payment device programmed to receive payment from the user.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the system comprising: an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user wherein the apparatus further has a data transmission device that transmits a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit communicates with the apparatus and receives the signal from the apparatus and further wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the system comprising: an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user wherein the apparatus further has a data transmission device that transmits a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit communicates with the apparatus and receives the signal from the apparatus and further wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising: input means for entering information into the data transmission device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising: a payment device programmed to receive payment from the user.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the central processing unit is programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the central processing unit is programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on the age of the user.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing one of a plurality of differently sized dental appliances wherein one of the dental appliances is worn in the mouth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of the portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of three orthodontic states defined by ranges within an orthodontic condition wherein a portion of each of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances are included within each one of the three orthodontic states; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing one of a plurality of differently sized dental appliances wherein one of the dental appliances is worn in the mouth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of the portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of three orthodontic states defined by ranges within an orthodontic condition wherein a portion of each of the plurality of differently sized dental appliances are included within each one of the three orthodontic states; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the image of the portion of the mouth is of a single tooth of the user.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 22 wherein the portion of the mouth is from a single tooth of the user to a midline of the user.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the central processing unit is programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user, the apparatus further having a data transmission device capable of transmitting a signal indicative of the image or a set of data of the user to a central processing unit; providing a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user, the apparatus further having a data transmission device capable of transmitting a signal indicative of the image or a set of data of the user to a central processing unit; providing a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into one of a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29 wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 29 wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 29 wherein the central processing unit is programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on the age of the user.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 29 wherein the central processing unit is programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth ad of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth ad of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the central processing unit is programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: a data input device that receives input as to an age of the user; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit diagnoses the orthodontic state of the user based solely on the age of the user.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: a data input device that receives input as to an age of the user; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit diagnoses the orthodontic state of the user based solely on the age of the user.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an input device; inputting an age of the user in the input device; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and receiving information from the input device; and providing a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based solely the age of the user.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an input device; inputting an age of the user in the input device; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and receiving information from the input device; and providing a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based solely the age of the user.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device attached to a rod and movable on the rod wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of the portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit receives the signal sent by the image capturing device and classifies the signal into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device attached to a rod and movable on the rod wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of the portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit receives the signal sent by the image capturing device and classifies the signal into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the central processing unit is located remote from the image capturing device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the image is of a single tooth of the user.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the image is from a midline of teeth of the user to a back portion of the mouth of the user.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a wafer; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the wafer within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the wafer; and transmitting the image of the wafer to the central processing unit.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a wafer; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the wafer within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the wafer; and transmitting the image of the wafer to the central processing unit.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a film; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the film within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the film; and transmitting the image of the film to the central processing unit.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a film; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the film within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the film; and transmitting the image of the film to the central processing unit.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a mouth of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user; transmitting the image of a portion of the mouth of the user to the central processing unit; and altering the image to compensate for improper closure of the mouth of the user.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a mouth of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user; transmitting the image of a portion of the mouth of the user to the central processing unit; and altering the image to compensate for improper closure of the mouth of the user.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tray; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the tray within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the tray; and transmitting the image of the tray to the central processing unit.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tray; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the tray within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the tray; and transmitting the image of the tray to the central processing unit.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; a focusing mechanism by which the image capturing device is able to focus; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and further programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on a distance between the focusing mechanism and the user.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; a focusing mechanism by which the image capturing device is able to focus; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and further programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on a distance between the focusing mechanism and the user.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a focusing mechanism by which the image capturing device is able to focus; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and further programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on a distance between the focusing mechanism and the user; positioning the focusing mechanism toward the mouth of the user; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a focusing mechanism by which the image capturing device is able to focus; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions and further programmed to diagnose the orthodontic state of the user based on a distance between the focusing mechanism and the user; positioning the focusing mechanism toward the mouth of the user; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a wafer; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the wafer within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the wafer; and transmitting the image of the wafer to the central processing unit.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a wafer; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the wafer within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the wafer; and transmitting the image of the wafer to the central processing unit.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tray; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the tray within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the tray; and transmitting the image of the tray to the central processing unit.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tray; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the tray within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the tray; and transmitting the image of the tray to the central processing unit.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an impression device capable of obtaining an impression of a tooth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the impression device within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the impression device; and transmitting the image of the impression device to the central processing unit.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an impression device capable of obtaining an impression of a tooth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the impression device within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the impression device; and transmitting the image of the impression device to the central processing unit.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an impression device capable of obtaining an impression of a tooth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the impression device within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the impression device; and transmitting the image of the impression device to the central processing unit.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an impression device capable of obtaining an impression of a tooth of the user; providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit located remote from the image capturing device programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions; positioning the impression device within a mouth of the user and making an impression of a tooth of the user; capturing an image of the impression device; and transmitting the image of the impression device to the central processing unit.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the image obtained by the image capturing device wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user and wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the apparatus comprising: an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the image obtained by the image capturing device wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is a single tooth of the user and wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the system comprising: an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user wherein the apparatus further has a data transmission device that transmits a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit communicates with the apparatus and receives the signal from the apparatus and wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the system comprising: an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user wherein the apparatus further has a data transmission device that transmits a signal indicative of the image; and a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit communicates with the apparatus and receives the signal from the apparatus and wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user and produces a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user, the apparatus further having a data transmission device capable of transmitting a signal indicative of the image or a set of data of the user to a central processing unit; providing a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus having an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of a mouth of the user, the apparatus further having a data transmission device capable of transmitting a signal indicative of the image or a set of data of the user to a central processing unit; providing a central processing unit located remote from the apparatus programmed with statistical data regarding orthodontic conditions; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for providing a diagnosis of an orthodontic state of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing an image capturing device wherein the image capturing device obtains an image of a portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth of the user is from a midline of a set of teeth of the user to a back portion of an interior of the mouth of the user, the image capturing device producing a signal indicative of the image; providing a central processing unit programmed with data regarding orthodontic conditions wherein the central processing unit provides a diagnosis to the user of the orthodontic state of the user based on the signal transmitted by the image capturing device; obtaining the image of the portion of the mouth of the user wherein the portion of the mouth is a single tooth of the user; and transmitting the image to the central processing unit wherein the central processing unit classifies the signal sent by the image capturing device into a plurality of orthodontic states.
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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) | 2006-06-23 | 2006-12-23 | 2007-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | 2011-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-23 | 2014-12-23 | 2015-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |