X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Photographic detector support – Dental
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-20
2001-03-20
Porta, David P. (Department: 2876)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Photographic detector support
Dental
C378S170000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203195
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates to a new and improved holder for dental sensors. More particularly, the invention relates to holders for sensors of the type which receive dental X-rays and which, in turn, transmit signals to a computer or other digital recorder, thereby eliminating the need for use of X-ray film.
2. Related Art
Applicant's prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,553; 5,256,982; 5,625,666; and 5,799,058 disclose holders for radiographic film packets. The present invention provides holders for X-ray sensors of various commercial types. Since such sensors differ in dimensions, a particular feature in the present invention is the adjustability of the holder to accommodate different shapes of sensors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Sensors commercially available at the present time are not standardized as to thickness, width or length. The present invention is adjustable to accommodate such variations. More particularly, the holder grips one edge of the sensor with a fixed clamp jaw. The opposite edge of the sensor is clamped by an adjustable, movable jaw. A preferred means for holding the movable clamp jaw in place is by means of ratchet teeth.
Holders used in endodontic surgery are provided with bite blocks which prevent the patient from closing his jaws when root canal files are in position in one or more teeth. In applicant's prior patents, the sides of such bite blocks are shown parallel to each other. The sides tend to impose shadows on the X-ray images either on film or sensors. The depth of such shadows is reduced in accordance with the present invention by angling the sides rather than making them parallel. Accordingly, the X-rays do not penetrate the entire length of the sides but only portions of the lengths thereof, thereby reducing the degree of the shadows.
The features and advantages of the inventions described in applicant's hereinbefore mentioned prior U.S. Patents are present in the present invention and are not repeated.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4945553 (1990-07-01), Willis
patent: 4965885 (1990-10-01), Fuhrmann
patent: 5090047 (1992-02-01), Angotti et al.
patent: 5256982 (1993-10-01), Willis
patent: 5625666 (1997-04-01), Willis
patent: 5799058 (1998-08-01), Willis et al.
Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton & Herbert LLP
Porta David P.
Willis Timothy G.
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