Ericsson Gmbh

Apex Technologies, Inc.

Smart Denture Conversions, LLC

International Business Machines Corporation

Full Arch Solutions, LLC

Other

Charles Albert Rudisill

Daniel John Whittle

Brandon Dale Kofford

Russell Evans Winstead

Gerard James Hayes

Sean P Ryan

Edwin Joseph Selker

Scott Ladell Vance

Douglas S Goodman

Joseph D Rutledge

Kevin Hunter Vorhees

Pat Gallarelli

Anthony Wayne Miles

Kim Rutkowski

Kevin P Goffinet

Dale R Flower

A temporary alignment system and method for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using the same threads in the abutment that are used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods for converting an existing prosthesis for screw attachment to implants in a single visit and digital capture of the converted prosthesis are described.

Screw-attached pick-up dental coping system and methods

Screw-attached pick-up dental coping systems and methods

Multi-unit abutments aligning dental implants and a prosthesis with copings have a base for implant attachment with a ball and swivel shell at least partially surrounding the ball. The swivel shell is preferentially inelastically deformed to make contact at or above and below the equator of the ball. The forming process restricts motion to swiveling action when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded. A tool passing through the lock screw may drive the post of the base into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at desired tilt and azimuthal angles. In some embodiments, a lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the prosthesis when positioned on the implant abutment. Copings may be attached with screws or snap-on features. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis and implants are described.

Omni-directional multi-unit abutment dental systems

A multi-unit abutment aligning a dental implant and a screw-attached prosthesis with copings is disclosed. The multi-unit abutment has a threaded base post for attachment to the implant and a ball portion. A swivel shell surrounds the ball and may be fixed in position with a lock screw. A drive feature on the ball allows a tool passing through the lock screw to drive the base post into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at a desired tilt and azimuthal angle. The swivel shell has a mating surface for a coping. The lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the coping when the prosthesis is positioned on the implant abutments. Different embodiments are disclosed for capturing the swivel shell on the ball. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis to the implants are described.

Omnidirectional multi-unit abutment system for screw-attached dental prostheses

A multi-unit abutment aligning a dental implant and a screw-attached prosthesis with copings is disclosed. The multi-unit abutment has a threaded base post for attachment to the implant and a ball portion. A swivel post into the implant with the multi-unit assembly in a linear configuration. The swivel shell is then positioned and fixed at a desired tilt and azimuthal angle. The swivel shell has a mating surface for a coping. The lock screw remains accessible through an aperture in the coping when the prosthesis is positioned on the implant abutments. Different embodiments are disclosed for capturing the swivel shell on the ball. Methods for improving passive alignment of the prosthesis to the implants are described.

A temporary alignment system, methods, and accessories for holding a dental coping to an implant abutment using a separable fastener using the same threads in the implant abutment used for definitive attachment are disclosed. The disclosed temporary fasteners initially orient and hold a coping against an implant abutment with a force along the same axis as the semi-definitive screw. The aligned coping can be picked-up in a closed-tray impression process without unscrewing the temporary fastener. Embodiments include threaded posts that release copings from the implant abutment through axial forces. Some embodiments include a threaded post with separable cap that is picked-up with the coping. Methods and accessories for using the separable fastener assembly or portions of it during conversion of an existing prosthesis for screw attachment or fabrication and fitting of a new prosthesis are described.

Screw-attached pick-up dental coping system, methods and accessories

Electrode track section

Embodiments of electrode systems having non-uniform spacing between electrodes along the axial direction for track lighting and other linear systems are disclosed. These systems may be used to provide directional flexibility for removable lighting fixtures with an asymmetric light distribution by providing a range of module position and angular mounting options. Some embodiments include electrodes which overlap continuously or at a series of discrete crossover overlap nodes to provide lateral support without external spacers. Electrode segments may be electrically and mechanically attached at overlap nodes to create extended two- and three-dimensional structures with localized planar areas. Embodiments with preferential bending regions provide additional directional capability. Embodiments of electrode systems integrated into planar surfaces or combined into extended suspended arrays are disclosed Modules with magnetic connectors having complete magnetic flux paths for use with the electrode systems are also disclosed.

Linear electrode systems for module attachment with non-uniform axial spacing

Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture. Some embodiments include folded electrode gyrating tracks having mounting positions providing different axial and radial pointing directions. Modules may be attached to electrodes by mechanical or magnetic forces.

Suspended track and planar electrode systems and methods

A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity. Fixtures that attach to modules include rails, sockets, heat sinks and two-dimensional structures with recessed electrodes for improved electrical safety.

Modular lighting system and method employing loosely constrained magnetic structures

A magnetic tile construction set is disclosed that may be used to construct extended 3-dimensional structures. In one embodiment, plastic magnets are attached to multiple edges of a lightweight core. The magnets have a width and length comparable to the thickness of the core and a length that is an order of magnitude longer than the thickness of the core. Tiles may be attached to one another at the tile edges through magnetic forces that do not vary by more than a factor of two over the range of angles from 45 degrees to 180 degrees.

Tile construction set using plastic magnets

Disclosed are interposer electrical connector embodiments including magnetic components used to facilitate interconnection of peripheral devices to standard input/output, or 'I/O', connectors (such as USB connectors) of devices such as mobile communications products (e.g. smart phones, tablets, and personal computers). The interposer connector embodiments disclosed include those in which a plurality of discrete permanent magnets are arranged with magnetic poles aligned in the same orientation perpendicular to and on one side of the electrical interface. Other embodiments include a plurality of bar permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the interface with all poles of the same type directed at the interface, but each one opposing a ferromagnetic element. These arrangements provide self-aligning capabilities useful for electrical connections that have restrictions on visibility or connection approach geometries. Other embodiments have a single magnet per mated connector pair and magnetic pole pieces and/or actuators to concentrate magnetic flux providing the magnetic attractive force for a plurality of electrical connections.

Growing community of inventors

Apex, NC, United States of America

Charles Albert Rudisill