U.S. patent application number 09/974683 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for modular bite block and sensor holder apparatus for dental x-ray procedures.
This patent application is currently assigned to DENTSPLY Research & Development Corp.. Invention is credited to Eppinger, Hans, Visak, Jerry.
Application Number | 20020076002 09/974683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26839375 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020076002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eppinger, Hans ; et
al. |
June 20, 2002 |
Modular bite block and sensor holder apparatus for dental x-ray
procedures
Abstract
A dental bite block (20) and sensor holder (21) assembly (11)
has a bite block (20) configured (31) to detachably affix to a
sensor holder (21). Affixing surfaces (30, 31) are provided between
the bite block (20) and the sensor holder (21) such that the sensor
holder (21) is removably affixed to the bite block (20).
Inventors: |
Eppinger, Hans; (Arlington
Hts, IL) ; Visak, Jerry; (Roselle, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Douglas J. Hura
DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
570 West College Avenue
York
PA
17405-0872
US
|
Assignee: |
DENTSPLY Research & Development
Corp.
|
Family ID: |
26839375 |
Appl. No.: |
09/974683 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09974683 |
Jan 16, 2002 |
|
|
|
09605585 |
Jun 28, 2000 |
|
|
|
60141696 |
Jun 30, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/170 ;
378/189 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 42/042 20130101;
A61B 6/145 20130101; A61B 6/4435 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
378/170 ;
378/189 |
International
Class: |
G03C 005/16; A61B
006/14; G03B 042/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A dental x-ray positioning device comprising: a bite block and
sensor holder assembly, and means to removably affix said sensor
holder to said bite block.
2. A device as in claim 1, wherein said sensor holder has means to
removably affix a dental x-ray sensor thereto.
3. A device as in claim 2, wherein said has means to removably
affix a dental x-ray sensor includes means to affix a dental x-ray
film.
4. A device as in claim 2, wherein said has means to removably
affix a dental x-ray sensor includes means to affix a digital x-ray
sensor.
5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said means to removably affix
said sensor holder to said bite block comprises a complex profile
tab carried by said one of said bite block or said sensor holder,
and an at least partially corresponding slot carried by the other
of said bite block or said sensor holder.
6. A device as in claim 5, wherein said sensor holder carries two
of said complex profile tabs, each of which has a different
configuration from the other; and, said bite block carries two
slots, each of which at least partially corresponds in shape to one
of said two complex profile tabs carried by said sensor holder;
such that said slots each can receive one of said complex profile
tabs, thereby removably affixing said sensor holder to said bite
block.
7. A dental positioning device kit comprising: a bite block and at
least two sensor holders, each of which is separately and removably
affixable to said bite, block; each of said sensor holders having
means to removably affix a dental x-ray sensor thereto, and each
said means to removably affix a dental x-ray sensor of each said
sensor holder being of a different configuration from that of the
other said sensor holder.
8. A method of assembling a bite block and sensor holder assembly
for the taking of a dental x-ray comprising the steps of: inserting
a complex profile tab carried by said sensor holder into a
receiving slot carried by said bite block, and either before or
after that step positioning a dental x-ray sensor into said sensor
holder.
9. A dental x-ray aiming device of the type having an aiming ring,
a set of steps on said aiming ring to register a dental x-ray
collimator, a bite block and dental x-ray sensor, said aiming ring
and said bite block being held in an opposing relation by a support
arm, the improvement comprising: providing said aiming ring with at
least two sets of said steps, such that at least two different
sizes of collimators may be registered by the same aiming ring.
10. A device as in claim 9, wherein said sets of steps are
concentrically arranged.
11. A device as in claim 9, wherein the outer diameter of said
aiming ring is provided with aiming grooves.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is a bite block and sensor holder
apparatus for use during dental x-ray procedures. More
particularly, the invention is a modular bite block and sensor
holder assembly, such that a given sensor can be used with bite
blocks for different x-ray procedures. Also, provided is an
improved aiming ring for use in dental x-ray procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dental radiographs are made using x-ray examination units,
often including an x-ray cone or tube positioned proximate the
patient and aligned to take x-rays of certain teeth. Dental x-ray
sensors, including films, charge coupled devices, phosphor imaging
plates or the like, often have a generally flat or plate-like
configuration and standardized dimensions so that the sensor can be
placed into the oral cavity.
[0003] The sensor is placed into the patient's mouth and held in
place proximate to the tooth or teeth to be examined. The x-ray's
are directed through the target teeth and then through the sensor.
It has been found that proper orientation of the sensor is required
to eliminate distortions and improper focus.
[0004] To ensure proper orientation of the sensor, sensor carriers
with "bite blocks" have been developed. These devices often have a
plate for holding the sensor and another plate that the patient
bites down upon to position the device and the carried sensor. A
bite block is shown for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026.
[0005] Different sensors are often used depending upon the area of
the mouth to be examined. This may include for example, endo,
posterior, anterior, left, right, upper and lower bite wings, and
the like. Known bite blocks and sensor holders have been
individually designed and manufactured for each different type of
sensor. The dimensions of the sensor and the holder dictate the
degree of secured positioning of the sensor in the holder.
[0006] A dental professional may have a large number of x-ray
sensors with varying sizes and shapes, and hence, a similarly large
number of sensor holders. The dental professional is often faced
with employing a different sensor or set of sensors, holders and
bite blocks depending upon the particular x-ray procedure being
employed. At best, it is time consuming to change between sensors,
sensor holders and bite blocks.
[0007] A need exists therefore, for a sensor holder/bite block
assembly or apparatus, which will accommodate different sizes and
shapes of x-ray sensors. It has also been found that a need exits
for an aiming ring that will accommodate more than one size or
shape of dental x-ray collimator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a dental x-ray
bite block.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a bite
block having an x-ray sensor holder.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a bite
block and sensor holder assembly, which can be employed to hold a
variety of sensors of different shapes or sizes.
[0011] It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a
modular bite block which will detachably connect to a sensor
holder.
[0012] These and other objects of the present invention, as well as
the advantages thereof over existing art forms, which will become
apparent in view of the following specification are accomplished by
means hereinafter described and claimed.
[0013] In general, a dental bite block and sensor holder assembly
comprises a bite block configured to detachably affix to a sensor
holder. Affixing means are provided between the bite block and the
sensor holder such that the sensor holder is removably affixed to
the bite block.
[0014] Preferred forms of the subject dental bite block and sensor
holder assembly are shown by way of example in the accompanying
drawings, and are deemed sufficient to effect a full disclosure of
the invention. The exemplary assembly is described in detail
without attempting to show all of the various forms and
modifications in which the invention might be embodied; the
invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the
details of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a bite block and
sensor holder assembly, embodying the concepts of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of an alternative
embodiment of a bite block and sensor holder assembly, also
embodying the concepts of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of another
alternative embodiment of a bite block and sensor holder assembly,
also embodying the concepts of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the sensor holder
portion of the invention as depicted in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and
bite block assembly according to the invention; and
[0020] It is also to be appreciated that complex profile 30 may be
configured to have a plurality of arms 50 and 51, each carrying its
own complex profile 30. In the embodiment of the invention depicted
in the drawings, sensor 21 has two arms 50 and 51, it being
understood that any number of arms is within the scope of the
invention. It is also to be appreciated that any means of
detachably affixing sensor 21 to bite block 20 is within the scope
of the invention. This may include, bolts, screws, nuts, locking
mechanisms, or the like without limitation, all of which are within
the scope of the invention and the term "modular."
[0021] Sensor holder 21 will be configured to receive one or more
sensors. For example, in the sensor 21 depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a
back support 60 and clip arms 61, 62 are employed. A sensor (not
shown) can be secured within sensor 21. Because any sensor holder
of any configuration is within the scope of the invention, and
because such sensor holders are conventional in the art, no
specific sensor holder, or bit block, is necessarily a limitation
of the present invention.
[0022] For example, FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a
sensor holder 21a. Sensor holder 21a is configured with a back
support 60 similar to back support 60 of sensor 21. However, in
place of clip arms 61 and 62 of sensor 21, sensor 21a is provided
with upper clip arm 70, generally opposing a lower clip arm 71. A
conventional sensor (again, not show) is supported between clip
arms 70, 71 and back support 60. Otherwise, sensor 21a is
substantially similar in its modular design to sensor 21.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a bitewing block
80. Bitewing 80 is provided with a groove 81 on the bite surface 82
to help the user in positioning a sensor (not shown) held by block
80. Groove 81 helps to register wuch such a sensor. It will also be
appreciated that block 80 is of an overall thin design, allowing
for greater patient comfort as compared to prior bite blocks.
[0024] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be
apparent that the use of the modular bite block and sensor holder
assembly described herein will carry out the objects set forth
hereinabove. It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations
evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus,
the selection of specific component elements or parts can be
determined without departing from the spirit of the invention
herein disclosed and described. Thus, the scope of the invention
shall include all modifications and variations that may fall within
the scope of the attached claims.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of an aiming ring and
bite block assembly according to the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0026] An x-ray sensor-positioning device according to the
invention is generally designated by the number 10 on the attached
drawings. Assembly 10 is preferably configured to have a
conventional dental x-ray guide arm 12. An exemplary guide arm and
its use with a bite block for taking a dental x-ray is shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026, which is incorporated by reference for its
disclosure of a guide arm and bite block. As shown in FIGS. 1-3,
guide arm 12 may be configured to be affixable to an x-ray tube
collimator-positioning ring 13 in a conventional manner. Such a
ring is also shown for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026, and,
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 237,016 which are incorporated by reference for
disclosure of such a ring.
[0027] Aiming ring 13a, FIG. 5, shows a plurality of regularly
spaced, opposing steps 13b for receiving and registering a
collimator (not shown). One set of such steps is known in the art
(see for example, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 237,016). The present
invention employs two sets of steps 13b in order to allow
registration of more than one size of collimator. Although it is
preferred to "concentrically" arrange one set of steps 13b within
another, sets of steps 13b can be offset if desired. Grooves 14 can
be provided in the exterior diameter of aiming ring 13a, such that
an x-ray tubehead (not shown) can be aligned to wholly encompass
whatever xray sensor is held by positioning device 10.
[0028] A bite block and sensor holder assembly 11 is provided as
part of device 10, and includes a bite block 20 and a sensor holder
21 (FIG. 1). Bite block 20 is generally configured for use in a
specific x-ray procedure. For example, bite block 20 in FIG. 1 is
of a configuration useful for an endo x-ray. Bite block 20a (FIG.
2) is suited for use in taking a bitewing x-ray, and FIG. 3 shows a
bite block 20b useful in taking an anterior or posterior x-ray
image. Each bite block 20, 20a and 20b serve the same function,
that is providing an area that is clamped between a patient's
teeth. Given the requirements of a specific x-ray however,
different shapes of bite blocks are required. The invention will be
exemplified herein with reference to bite block 20 of FIG. 1 for
purposes of this discussion (unless otherwise noted), it being
understood that the invention is equally useful with bite blocks
20a, 20b or indeed, any conventional bite block shape or size
without limitation.
[0029] There is removably attached to bite block 20 the sensor
holder 21. It is likely that a dental professional will use one
size and shape of sensor, be it x-ray film, CCD or phosphor plate
technology for different x-rays (endo, anterior, posterior,
bitewing or the like). Before the present invention, it would be
standard practice for the dental professional to have a variety of
bite block/sensor holders integrally formed together. According to
the present invention, the sensor holder 21 and the bite block 20
are not integrally formed but rather detachably affixed. Further,
the structure to attach a sensor holder 21 to a bite block 20
(which will be discussed and exemplified below), is the same no
matter what the shape of the given bite block 20, 20a or 20b. In
this manner, it will be appreciated that a single sensor holder can
be used to attach to a different bite block 20, 20a or 20b. This is
termed a "modular" design for purposes of this discussion. It will
also be appreciated that a bite block may be used with different
sizes and shapes of sensor holders. Again, the invention will be
exemplified herein with respect to a single sensor holder 21.
[0030] To be detachably affixed to a bite block 20, sensor holder
21 must be provided with attachment means that correspond to
attachment means carried by the bite block 20. By providing bite
block 20 with the same attachment means as bite blocks having other
shapes, such as bite blocks 20a and 20b, the same sensor 21 can be
detachably affixed to any bite block 20, 20a or 20b, or indeed, any
bite block carrying the same attachment means.
[0031] Any attachment means between sensor holder 21 and bite block
20 is within the scope of the invention, the only criteria being
that the two components be held securely with respect to each other
and that they be removable. Again, this aspect is termed being
"modular" in design. A preferred attachment means is a complex
profile or tab 30 carried by sensor holder 21 and an at least
partially corresponding slot 31 carried by bite block 20. It is
understood that bite block 20 could easily be configured to carry
complex profile 30 and that sensor holder 21 could carry slot 31
and still be within the scope of the invention. The invention will
be exemplified with sensor 21 carrying complex profile 30.
[0032] By "complex profile" it is meant a plurality of surfaces,
such as surfaces 30a-30f (FIG. 1) each at some angle to at least
one other. Complex profile tabs 30 and corresponding slots 31 can
also be round and still fall within the scope of the definition of
"complex profile". Surfaces 30a-f of complex profile 30 need not
necessarily be linear, but may be curvilinear, such as surface 30g,
or even round. By "slot" it is meant some surface such as surface
31a configured to receive at least one surface of complex profile
30 such as surface 30c.
[0033] Preferably, slot 31 is configured to receive complex profile
30 in such a manner that a plurality of surfaces 30a-f physically
engage or touch slot 31 and at least some other portion of bite
block 20. By properly configuring the actual dimensions of these
components, sensor 21 can be held securely to bite block 20. The
fit between complex profile 30 and slot 31 may also be a friction
fit. It will be appreciated that to secure sensor 21 to bite block
20, complex profile 30 is received within slot 31. To detach or
remove sensor 21 from bite block 20, it is merely necessary to
slide complex profile 30 from slot 31.
[0034] An alternative embodiment of slot 31 is shown by way of
example in FIG. 3 as slot 40. Slot 40 is itself also of a "complex
profile" substantially corresponding in shape and dimension to the
shape and dimension of complex profile 30.
* * * * *