The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 12, 2001
Michael O. Williams, Gulfport, MS (US);
Other;
Abstract
A contracting connector between a maxillary apparatus and mandibular apparatus to treat an underbite. The connector has a telescoping outer sheath connected at its posterior end to the maxillary apparatus. A rod is slidingly engaged in the sheath. And connected at its anterior end to the mandibular apparatus. A spring connected between the rod and the posterior end of the sheath exerts adjustable contraction pressure on the rod and thus the mandible. In another embodiment, the rod has separate anterior and posterior segments The posterior segment of the rod is attached to the maxillary apparatus and the anterior segment is attached to the mandibular apparatus A spring connected between the anterior and posterior segments exerts adjustable contracting pressure on the two rod segments and thus on the maxilla and the mandible. In either embodiment the contracting pressure on the spring is adjusted by changing the length of the telescoping outer sheath. An improved channel lock for connectors also is disclosed.