Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
600590000 | Mouth, tongue, or jaw | 42 |
20080281233 | Bite Force Gauge - A bite force measuring device includes a handle having first and second ends. A measurement shaft extends outwardly from the handle first end and includes a distal end relative to the handle. A test plate is positioned on the measurement shaft. The measuring device includes a flexible reservoir positioned inside the measurement shaft that is in contact with the test plate that contains a generally incompressible fluid such that the flexible reservoir undergoes pressure changes when the test plate bears against the reservoir. A plunger shaft is operatively connected to the reservoir and is pushed outwardly therefrom when pressure in the reservoir is increased. The plunger shaft may include indicia indicative of a measurement of a relative bite force. | 11-13-2008 |
20090030346 | Device and method for measuring continuous swallowing motion - A swallowing movement measuring device is disclosed that has plural pressure sensors which are arranged in a line and supported in a vertical direction and a tool for wearing the pressure sensors and for fixing the pressure sensors to touch an anterior region of the neck of a subject. The tool for wearing the pressure sensors is provided with an urethane foam in which the pressure sensors are arranged and placed in line and supported along a direction of the up and down movement of thyroid cartilage when food is swallowed. A fixing tool of the pressure sensors supports the urethane foam and a holding band holds the fixing tools of the pressure sensors on the anterior region of neck of the subject. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030347 | ORTHODONTIC FORCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method for concurrently measuring a force exerted upon each of a plurality of teeth is disclosed. A dentition crown connecting rod associated with a force gauge is positioned such that a dentition crown coupled to the dentition crown connecting rod may be received within a corresponding cavity of a reference aligner. A measurement aligner is then applied to the dentition crown, wherein the dentition crown is positioned to be received within a corresponding cavity of a reference aligner. A force exerted on the dentition crown by the measurement aligner is then calculated. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030348 | Concurrently measuring a force exerted upon each of a plurality of teeth - A system and method for concurrently measuring a force exerted upon a tooth is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a target tooth attached to a force gauge which is coupled to a motion module for adjusting the tooth to a reference position. The method includes utilizing a motion module of a force measurement device is utilized to adjust each target tooth of a plurality of target teeth to be located in a reference position. Next, each target tooth receives a dental appliance. Then an exerted force is measured by the dental appliance upon each target tooth utilizing a coordinate system of the force gauge. | 01-29-2009 |
20090156967 | System for evaluating an infant's perception of aroma - Disclosed is a system, method, and device for detecting non-nutritive sucking events produced by an infant; patterns comprising such events (i.e., rhythmic sucking patterns, or RSPs); and relating said events and/or RSPs to an infant's response to a olfactory sensory input. The frequency and/or amplitude and/or other characteristics of non-nutritive sucking can change in response to such inputs. Accordingly, changes to RSPs offer detectable and measurable indicia of an infant's perception of these inputs. Furthermore, such information may be used to support and/or substantiate marketing communications to consumers; to guide selection and/or management of research-and-development projects; to help choose product designs that elicit RSPs identified as correlating with the well being of an infant; and other such uses. | 06-18-2009 |
20090312671 | EVALUATING SYSTEM OF MASTICATORY EFFICIENCY AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD MATERIAL - The present invention provides a evaluating system of masticatory efficiency comprising,
| 12-17-2009 |
20100036286 | DEVICE FOR INDIRECTLY MEASURING OCCLUSAL FORCES - An apparatus, in particular a dental splint, for the measurement of occlusal forces in case of a terminal occlusion of teeth comprises at least one sensor which is arranged outside of an occlusion region of the apparatus. A system for the diagnosis or treatment of bruxism serves to determine the position or the size of occlusal forces on the apparatus. A method allows exact localization and quantitative determination of occlusal forces on the apparatus. | 02-11-2010 |
20100121224 | BALLOON FOR MEASURING PRESSURE RELATED TO ORAL CAVITY AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - A balloon for measuring a pressure related to the oral cavity including a pressure-receiving portion | 05-13-2010 |
20100137747 | CLINICAL ASSESSMENT SCALES AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are scales for assessing lip fullness, severity of perioral lines at rest, severity of perioral lines at maximum contraction or oral commissures. The scales comprise rows or columns of photographs corresponding to different severity categories. Each scale may have a Kappa score of at least about 0.700 for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. | 06-03-2010 |
20100222706 | Probe for measuring oral pressure, device for measuring oral pressure using the same, and training tool for restoring oral function - A probe for measuring oral pressure according to the present invention includes: a balloon | 09-02-2010 |
20100222707 | Carrier for thin-film force sensor for measuring masticatory forces - Measuring isometric bite forces has until now been an impracticable endeavor in clinical practice, since there is no device which is easy to use. Commercially available reusable force sensors were the starting point of the idea to develop a simple device to hold and position these thin-film force sensors while simultaneously protecting them from destructive biting strains. For this reason I developed a bite fork, preferably made of plastic, which can serve as a carrier for these special sensors, and which aid placement on the occlusal surfaces in a repeatable position, without resulting in significant alteration from the habitual bite position. | 09-02-2010 |
20110125063 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Modifying Behavior - A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy. | 05-26-2011 |
20110160617 | CLINICAL ASSESSMENT SCALES AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are scales for assessing lip fullness, severity of perioral lines at rest, severity of perioral lines at maximum contraction or oral commissures. The scales comprise rows or columns of photographs corresponding to different severity categories. Each scale may have a Kappa score of at least about 0.700 for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160618 | APPARATUS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF BRUXISM - The present invention is an apparatus for detecting and treating bruxism. The apparatus of the invention comprises a sensing unit, a calculation unit and a stimulation unit. The sensing unit is in charge of measuring the interocclusal distance and reporting this distance to the calculation unit. After receiving the information from the sensing unit, the calculation unit archives and processes the information to determine if the sensing event is a bruxism event. When a sensing event is confirmed as a bruxism event, the calculation unit selects an adequate stimulation and sends a request to the stimulation unit, which applies the selected stimulation. The apparatus of the present invention may be suitable for treating both diurnal and nocturnal bruxism and the intrabuccal components may be removed from the mouth when bruxism events are not expected to occur, i.e. during the day for an individual who suffers only from nocturnal bruxism. | 06-30-2011 |
20110178439 | A PALATE RETAINER WITH ATTACHED NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY EXTENDER FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A medical appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a securing device configured to be removably affixed to the patient's jaw; and a biasing member which is insertable behind the soft palate and/or the base of the patient's tongue, thereby providing for the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway; wherein the securing device is connected to the biasing member to allow insertion and/or removal of the biasing member from the nasopharyngeal airway. | 07-21-2011 |
20110190666 | TONGUE DEPRESSOR WITH A FORCE/PRESSURE SENSING ELEMENT - A body force measurement system for both assessment and therapeutic usage comprising a non-rigid tongue depressor with a force sensing element attached to it and a means of converting the force sensed into quantifiable data. The system provides convenient method for making body force measurements consistent with current clinical practice and without the need for a fixed registration point. | 08-04-2011 |
20110201970 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSING TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS - The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for use in diagnosing temporomandibular disorders. The apparatus includes separate maxillary and mandibular appliances, which are sized and configured to fit over and be retained on a subject's incisors. The two appliances both include generally flat, T-shaped platforms that face each other in a confronting relationship for all possible mandibular movements, including excursive movement and protrusive/retrusive movement. When properly fitted on the subject's opposing incisors, the two appliances effectively prevent contact between the subject's opposing upper and lower teeth, including the posterior and canine teeth, and thereby reduce the intensity of clenching of the temporalis muscles. The apparatus thereby can be used to provide an inexpensive way for determining whether an intraoral discluder of this kind will be effective in relieving tension headaches, common migraine headaches, or other temporomandibular disorders. | 08-18-2011 |
20110288445 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SUBCONSCIOUS NEUROMUSCULAR TENSION INCLUDING BRUXISM - A system for the detection of bruxism includes an electronics housing configured to be worn on the face of a user. The system further includes a first and second sensor, located on a side of the electronics housing. The first and second sensors are secured firmly to the face of the user, positioned a distance apart from each other, and positioned to rest over a muscle of the face; the distance apart being such that the first and second sensors both rest on the muscle of the face. The system also includes a feedback generator, configured to provide feedback to the user when a clenching event occurs. The system also includes a microprocessor, configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the first and second sensors, determine when the clenching event occurs, and activate the feedback generator to provide feedback to the user upon an occurrence of the clenching event. | 11-24-2011 |
20120010532 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 01-12-2012 |
20120010533 | Method for determining the correct natural head position location of references planes relative to a three-dimensional computerized image of a patient's head - A system and method for determining the correct natural head position location of reference planes, i.e., the coronal, transverse, and sagittal planes, relative to a three-dimensional computerized image of a patient's head. This method will allow medical practitioners to accurately measure various soft tissue features of the patient's face and underlying hard tissue structures, e.g., such as dentoskeletal structures, and combining such analysis with profile analysis and treatment planning for full 3D facial analysis. | 01-12-2012 |
20120143091 | System and Method for Tongue Force Detection and Exercise - A force sensing and exercise device for assessment and therapeutic usage is described herein. The force sensing device may include a registration plate, to form a ridge with a body part of a patient and provide a fixed point from which measurements are taken. The force sensing device allows for linear movement as a component of the measurement and the ability to vary exercise resistance continuously over an exercise range. Tactile and auditory feedback is provided to a patient to indicate than an exercise objective has been achieved. | 06-07-2012 |
20120209147 | METHODS OF USING AN ENHANCED THERAPEUTIC STIMULUS FOR NON-NUTRITIVE SUCK ENTRAINMENT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to methods of using a therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to procedures and methods of using a system having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. The methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209148 | ENHANCED THERAPEUTIC STIMULUS FOR NON-NUTRITIVE SUCK ENTRAINMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a system and method for using the system. In particular, the present invention relates to an application, executable by a processing device to assess the organization of a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern of a patient and to entrain an organized NNS pattern in the patient. The software system receives data from an orofacial stimulation appliance to assess the patient's natural NNS pattern and generates a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern. | 08-16-2012 |
20120238913 | METHODS OF EVALUATING NORMALCY OF LIPS AND SAFETY OF LIP TREATMENTS - This disclosure relates to evaluating and objectively determining the relative normalcy of a human patient's lips, whether before or after a lip treatment, or independent from any lip treatment. The normalcy of a patient's lips is evaluated by examining a number of indicia and comparing the results to corresponding lip scales or reference descriptions. The normalcy may be evaluated before and after a lip treatment to determine the safety of the lip treatment. | 09-20-2012 |
20120253232 | METHOD FOR CREATING COLOR SCALE FOR DETERMINATION OF MASTICATORY PERFORMANCE - A method for creating a color scale which can be used as a more objective determination criteria in order to analyze the color change characteristics of a gum with the progression of mastication of individuals with healthy teeth and jaw and to use for evaluation of masticatory performance by a color-changeable chewing gum is provided. A method for creating a color scale in which the number of times of mastication by individuals with healthy teeth and jaw and the color difference of the color developed by the gum after mastication are determined by having a plurality of individuals with healthy teeth and jaw masticate a color-changeable chewing gum to determine a regression equation of the color developed by the gum after mastication and the color difference of gums before and after mastication and further determining a regression equation of the number of times of mastication and the color difference of gums before and after mastication. | 10-04-2012 |
20120271201 | DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF ORAL/LIP STIFFNESS - A device for measuring orofacial stiffness in a subject can include: two lip saddle attachment components configured for attachment to the lip saddles of a patients mouth; two elongate members, each being coupled with one of the lip saddle attachment components; a pivot member that couples the two elongate members at a pivot point opposite from the two lip saddle attachment components; an electronic sensor configured to sense the stiffness of the lips by sensing movement of the elongate members with respect to the pivot point, where the electronic sensor is operably coupled to each of the elongate members; and a pressure component configured move with respect to the pivot point so as to provide pressure to and/or receive pressure from the lip saddle attachment components. | 10-25-2012 |
20120302924 | TONGUE STRENGTH EVALUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue. | 11-29-2012 |
20130023796 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING NON-NUTRITIVE SUCK PATTERN STABILITY - Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. An example apparatus can include an STI generator configured to generate a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples using a non-nutritive pacifier and a pressure transducer, and to sum a plurality of standard deviations based on the plurality of NNS pressure samples to provide a spatiotemporal index (STI) of non-nutritive suck pattern stability, wherein the STI is configured to provide a composite indication of variability of amplitude, and duration of a plurality of portions of the NNS pressure samples. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023797 | MANDIBULAR MANIPULATOR AND RELATED METHODS - Described is a mandibular manipulator instrument as a standalone tool or with associated mouthpiece that includes two interlocking laterally sliding frames comprising a movable upper and a lower incisor pull, shaped for receiving a patient's central incisor teeth and a pair of pinion shafts for driving the upper and lower incisor pulls. A screw thread is used to provide a precise lateral motion for the sagittal measurement. The mouthpiece is constructed of resilient rubber. The manipulator is positioned and held in the resilient rubber mouthpiece by means of the two pinions protruding through acoustically tight apertures respective to each pinion's position. The manipulator can be used for other applications in an embodiment without the mouthpiece and/or in combination with a bite registration shape that is part of the manipulator frame. | 01-24-2013 |
20130102930 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PRESSURE APPLIED ON PATIENTS - The systems and methods described herein are directed to monitoring the force or pressure applied to a portion of the human body, including in the neck region of a patient during a medical procedure, such as tracheal intubation, to ensure that the medical personnel are applying the desired level of force, and in regions of bony prominences to monitor and prevent the formation of pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. In particular, the systems and methods described herein include piezoresistive elements connected to signal processing circuitry for measuring the force or pressure. | 04-25-2013 |
20130178763 | MULTIPLE ORAL AND NASAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES METHOD AND KIT - The method of performing multiple oral and nasal surgical procedures in the head and neck region provides a systematic procedure for the performance of multiple operations for correcting various ear, nose, and throat conditions that cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the patient. The method allows the surgeon to perform multiple operating procedures in the nose, mouth, and/or throat in a single operating session, due to the use of hemostatic sheet and gel treatments in lieu of suturing and post-operative nasal hemostatic packs that preclude nasal breathing. The various surgical implement kits allow the surgeon to select the appropriate kit according to the procedure(s) to be performed. The procedure(s) is/are selected in accordance with a specific customized treatment plan that is developed by the surgeon for the individual patient, which other surgeons involved in snoring or OSA surgery can comprehend. | 07-11-2013 |
20130190656 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING ORAL CAVITY PRESSURE, PRESSURE MEASURING PROBE - A device for measuring oral cavity pressure includes the following: a pressure measuring probe | 07-25-2013 |
20130253377 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A STRENGTH OF LIPS-CLOSING AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus for detecting a strength of lips-closing is applied for training and evaluation during treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), according to the strength of the lips-closing of the user, the clinical staff and the patients are able to evaluate the severity of lips-closing impairment. It can also be used as training tool with which the effect can be monitored before, during, and after rehabilitation courses. The apparatus includes an air bag, a pressure sensing unit and a micro-controller module. The user puts the air bag, which is able to be pumped air in or out, between the lips. The pressure sensing unit is connected to the air bag for detecting a pressure formed by the lips of the user forcing the air bag, to generate a signal. The micro-controller module is electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit for converting the signal into the strength of lips-closing. | 09-26-2013 |
20140046221 | Diagnosis and Prediction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - A tongue location monitoring system, including, one or more position circuits that respond to transmissions from a transceiver, a transceiver that transmits to the one or more position circuits, a control circuit coupled to the transceiver; wherein the control circuit determines the location of a person's tongue based on the responses of the position circuits; and wherein either the transceiver or the position circuits are implanted in the muscle of the person's tongue or placed on the tongue, and the latter is placed outside the person's head. | 02-13-2014 |
20140066812 | System and Method for Monitoring the Health of Joints - A system and method for detecting lubrication conditions, lubrication regimes, impingement, stick-slip, and/or surface damage allows the health of a joint to be monitored. The system and method provides in situ or in vivo real-time monitoring of dynamic and static conditions of the joint. The monitoring system may use both passive and active sensing approaches that employ strategically placed piezoelectric transducers on/in the articulating components of the joint. In some embodiments, the transducers may be Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers. Active sensing may be used to detect lubrication regimes under static and dynamic conditions. Passive sensing may be used to characterize the joint motion and abnormities, such as impingements and surface damages. | 03-06-2014 |
20140207024 | HANDHELD CORDLESS NON-NUTRITIVE SUCK ASSESSMENT DEVICE - A cordless handheld device detects and analyzes orofacial activity based on compressions or deflections of an associated pacifier and oral cavity pressure. The device can receive and analyze data that can be used to train an infant to feed. | 07-24-2014 |
20140316303 | COLOR SCALE FOR XYLITOL GUM FOR ASSESSING MASTICATORY FORCE - Provided is a method for creating a color scale that can be used as more objective assessment criteria used for the evaluation of the masticatory force by a color-changeable chewing gum by analyzing the characteristics of the color change in the gum along with the progress in mastication in people having toothed jaws. A method for creating a color scale, comprising having a plurality of people having toothed jaws masticate color-changeable chewing gums, obtaining a regression equation for the color presented by the masticated gum and the color difference between the gum before and the gum after mastication, and further, obtaining a regression equation for the number of times of mastication and the color difference between the gum before and the gum after mastication, to thereby obtain the number of times of mastication performed by the people having toothed jaws and the color difference in the color presented by the masticated gum. | 10-23-2014 |
20150038880 | Method for Reducing One or More Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - An in-ear device configured to help a subject manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear device. Also disclosed is a method of helping manage at least one symptom associated with TMD by customizing a series of in-ear device and modifying the devices over time, where each device in the series is customized to the subject. | 02-05-2015 |
20150297390 | DEVICES FOR TREATING BRUXISM - The present disclosure relates to devices that aid a user in ceasing bruxism. The devices may be placed between a user's teeth, such as during sleep, and alert the user when the user clenches his/her teeth. In an aspect, a device includes a housing containing a battery power source, a vibration device, and an electrical contact mechanism having a movable element which closes a circuit to actuate the vibration device. A disk-shaped portion adapted to be emplaced in a person's mouth between a cheek and adjacent teeth is disposed around the housing. A resilient bite portion extends from the housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth. A compressible element is disposed in the bite portion and causes the movable element of the electrical contact to close to actuate the vibration device in response to compression of the bite portion. | 10-22-2015 |
20160022209 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING HYDRATION - Devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring hydration of a user that include a fluid container including one or more sensors, e.g., pressure sensors, accelerometers, and the like, for identifying when the user consumes fluid from the container and/or determining the volume of fluid consumed. The fluid container may communicate with a mobile electronic device to monitor at least one of volume and frequency of fluid consumption and provide an output to the user related to compliance with hydration recommendations. Optionally, the system may also include a fitness tracker for monitoring one or more aspects of the user's physical activity; and the mobile device may monitor hydration of the user based at least in part on the user's physical activity. | 01-28-2016 |
20160038082 | EATING UTENSIL TO MONITOR AND REGULATE DIETARY INTAKE - Dietary intake regulating devices that can assist a user in measuring his or her dietary intake and optionally his or her physical activity are disclosed. | 02-11-2016 |
20160073953 | FOOD INTAKE MONITOR - Systems and methods for monitoring food intake include, in one exemplary embodiment, a jaw sensor configured to detect jaw motion and an accelerometer configured to body motion. The system may also include, for example, a hand gesture sensor configured to detect a hand motion and a central processing unit configured to determine whether the jaw motion, the body motion, and the hand motion are associated with food intake. | 03-17-2016 |