Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
  • A61B6/51—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
  • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
  • G03B42/00—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means
  • G03B42/02—Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves; Visualisation of such records by using optical means using X-rays
  • G03B42/04—Holders for X-ray films
  • G03B42/042—Holders for X-ray films for dental applications
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
  • A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
  • A61B6/4423—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to hygiene or sterilisation

Definitions

• the present invention is a bite block for use during dental x-ray procedures. More particularly, the invention is a bite block configured to use a variety of x-ray sensors having different widths, lengths or heights. Specifically, the invention is a bite block having at least two main parts adjustably positioned with respect to each other, such that an x-ray sensor is effectively clamped therebetween.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• bit blocks To ensure proper orientation of the sensor, sensor carriers or "bite blocks” have been developed. These devices often have a plate for holding the sensor and another plate that the patient bites down on to position the device and the carried sensor.
• a bite block is shown for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
• holders are often configured to have some sort of pocket or cradle corresponding to the sensor dimensions. The user is required to physically push the sensor into the cradle. Because sensors cannot be sterilized, they have to be protected by a disposable cover prior to their insertion into the sensor holder portion of the bite block.
• the cover typically consists of a very thin vinyl material.
• a dental x-ray bite block for securing an x-ray sensor, comprises a first block section having a primary clamp face; a second block section having a secondary clamp face; said first block section configured with receiving means to receive said second block section, such that said primary and said secondary clamp faces are positioned in a spaced, opposing relation when said second block section is received within said first block section; and, adjustable securing means for affixing the position of said second block section relative to said first block section when received therein.
• Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view of a bite block according to the invention, showing first and second block sections separated;
• Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the bite block of Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the bite block of Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the bite block of Fig. 1, showing the second block section received within the first block section;
• Fig. 5 is a side elevational view as in Fig. 4, showing the second bite block received within the first bite block and showing an sensor secured within said bite block;
• Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the bite block of Fig. 4;
• Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the bite block of Fig. 1, shown affixed to an x-ray positioning guide arm having a collimator ring affixed thereto;
• Fig. 8 is an exploded side elevational view of the guide arm shown in Fig. 7;
• Fig. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the bite block of Fig. 7, shown with bite block sections disconnected and showing an x-ray sensor;
• Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bite block of 7;
• Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the first block section of the device of Fig. 1.
• a bite block embodying the concepts of the present invention is generally designated by the number 10 on the attached drawings. It includes a first block section 11 and a second block section 12. Bite block 10 can be configured from any material conventionally used to make x-ray positioning devices, and is preferably a plastic material.
• First block section 10 has an upstanding front wall 13 and an upstanding back wall 14 (Figs. 1 and 10). Walls 13 and 14 are preferably arranged in a spaced, parallel arrangement (Fig. 2), such that sides 15 and 16 are positioned therebetween. As shown in Fig. 11, second block section 11 may be configured such that rear wall 14 includes wall sections 14a and 14b.
• Front wall 13 may also be configured to itself have a front side 13a and a rear side 13b (Fig. 11).
• First block section 10 also carries a primary clamp face 17, extending from front wall 13 of first block section 11.
• primary clamp face 17 extends from wall 13 of first block section 1 1 at a perpendicular or right angle, although any angle is within the scope of the invention.
• primary clamp face 17 may include primary clamp face arms 17a and 17b (Fig. 4).
• second block section 12 preferably has a front upstanding wall 20 and an opposing, rear upstanding wall 21.
• One preferred configuration of second block section 12 has a slot 22 (Fig. 2) between first and second walls 20 and 21 of second block section 12.
• Second block section 12 has a secondary clamp face 23 extending therefrom, preferably in a right angle to upstanding walls 20 and 21 of second block section 12.
• secondary clamp face 23 may be comprised of separate clamp face arms 23a and 23b.
• Secondary clamp face 23 extends contiguously from rear wall 21 of second block section 12 in a web 30, such that web 30 extends between secondary clamp face 23 and rear wall 21 of second block section 12.
• an open or void area 31 is provided between web 30 and secondary clamp face 23.
• Primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 are each preferably planar, although complex profiles (not shown) are within the scope of the invention.
• First and second block sections 11 and 12 are configured to be removably secured to one another in an adjustable position, such that primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 are in a spaced, opposing relationship.
• the space between primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 is preferably adjustable, and once the desired position is determined and obtained, is preferably securable in that position.
• clamp faces 17 and 23 can be adjusted for clamping a variety of x-ray sensors, such as exemplary sensor 40 shown in the drawings. In Fig. 5, clamp faces 17 and 23 have been adjusted to physically contact or impinge sensor 40 therebetween.
• first and second block sections 11 and 12 are received within the other.
• second block section 12 is received within first block section 11, it being understood that the opposite arrangement is within the scope of the invention.
• the receiving of secondary block section 12 within first block section 11 can be accomplished by any means.
• One exemplary means includes parallel, spaced and opposing channels 41 between rear walls 14a and 14b of first block section 11 (Fig. 11). Channels 41 are configured to substantially correspond dimensionally to at least one of and preferably both front and rear walls 20 and 21 of second block section 12.
• second block section 12 is moved toward first block section 11 and received within channels 41 thereof.
• second block section 12 is movable within first block section 11, such that the movement causes the space between primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 to be adjusted accordingly. It will be appreciated that primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 are thereby useful for securing a sensor 40 of varying dimensions.
• stepped ratchet member 50 carried by first block section 1 1 and second ratchet member 51 carried by second block section 12.
• Each of said ratchet members 50, 51 includes a plurality of steps or teeth 52, which are substantially similar in dimension.
• First stepped ratchet member 50 is positioned on the rear 13b (Fig. 11) of front wall 13, such that teeth 52 extend in a direction toward rear wall 14 of first block section 11.
• second ratchet member 51 is preferably carried by front wall 20 of second block section 12 and extend in a direction away from rear wall 21 of second block section 12.
• Teeth 52 each have a rise 53 and a run 54 (Fig. 2).
• Bite block 10 is preferably made from a plastic material, chosen in part such that at least portions of bite block 10 are substantially resilient, including teeth 52.
• This engagement substantially prevents reciprocal movement of ratchet members 50 and 51 in an opposite direction, and hence, prevents disengagement of first block section 11 and second block section 12. It is envisioned that due to its resiliency, teeth 52 may be temporarily deformed to allow reciprocal movement, but until and unless such deformation occurs, the disengagement of physically contacted opposing runs 53 is prevented. Thus, primary and secondary clamp faces 17 and 23 are locked in that position. Movement of primary clamp faces 17 and 23 towards each other is ultimately limited by physical engagement with sensor 40, thereby clamping sensor 40 therebetween.
• bite block 10 is provided with a longitudinal through slot 60 coextensive with sides 15 and 16 and extending therebetween. It has been found that when bite block 10 is positioned within a patient's mouth, and the patient bites down on first block section 11, slot 60 increases the flexibility of first block section 11, and thereby cushions the contact between it and the patient's teeth (not shown). Slot 22 in second block section 12 may also serve this purpose.
• Bite block 10 is preferably configured to also receive a dental x-ray guide arm 61.
• a dental x-ray guide arm 61 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.
• Guide arm 61 may be therefore, conventional as known in the art.
• guide arm 61 may be configured to be received within an x- ray tube collimator positioning ring 70 in a conventional manner.
• Such a ring is shown for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026, which is incorporated by reference for its disclosure of such a ring.
• Guide arm 61 may include pins 62 (Fig. 8) that engage pre-positioned apertures 63 (Figs. 2 and 5) in bite block 10, in a conventional manner.
• Pins 62 may be affixed to guide arm 61 in any conventional manner, such as inserting pins 62 into apertures 62a in guide arm 61.
• Pins 62 may be integrally formed with guide arm 61, adhesive, weld or otherwise bonded to guide arm 61, or the like.
• pins 62 from anodized metal such as aluminum, wherein the anodization process is preselected to provide a specified color. Thereby, the anodizing process results in a pin 62 of a preselected color.
• Guide arm 61 may be made from a conventional material, such as stainless steel, or it too may be manufactured from an anodized, preselected color material. It is envisioned that the colors will be preselected to match the color of other components involved with the taking of an x-ray, including for example, bite block 10 or ring 70.
• bite block 10a has a web 30a similar to web 30 of bite block 10.
• Web 30a extends from a second bite block section 12a proximate to a front wall 20a of second block section 12a.
• First block section 11a of bite block 10a has a through slot 60a that functions in a manner similar to slot 60 of first block section 11.
• Slot 60a is configured to receive pins 62 of guide arm 61, preferably in a friction fit manner.
• bite block 10a first block section 11a has a primary clamp face 71 having primary clamp face arms 72.
• second block section 12a has a secondary clamp face 73 having secondary clamp face arms 74.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Dentistry (AREA)
• Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
• High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

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• 2000
  • 2000-02-25 EP EP00913633A patent/EP1113753A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2000-02-25 AU AU35042/00A patent/AU778878B2/en not_active Expired
  • 2000-02-25 CA CA002329791A patent/CA2329791A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2000-02-25 BR BR0005040-7A patent/BR0005040A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2000-02-25 WO PCT/US2000/005003 patent/WO2000049945A1/en active IP Right Grant

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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