Full-scanner barrier for an intra-oral device

US11759277B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Align Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ariel Shalev · Bet Shemesh, IL
• Eran GREEN · Haifa, IL
• Zakhar Ginzburg · Netanya, IL
• Matthew DURBAN · San Jose, US
• Roee Gorfinkel · Yavne, IL
• Ofer Saphier · Rehovot, IL
• Tal Verker · Ramla, IL
• Nir Makmel · Nes Ziona, IL
• Eran Ishay · Tel Aviv-Yafo, IL
• Raphael Levy · Jerusalem, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2020
• Grant date: Sep 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 24, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61C9/0053
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Removable barrier devices (e.g., sleeves) for covering medical scanning devices to reduce the chance of cross-contamination between patients and/or to protect the scanning devices from physical damage. The barrier device can include a cover that has an integrated window for passing optical signals between the scanning device and an external environment. The cover can include a sleeve that covers a handle portion of the scanning device to prevent contamination of the handle from a user's hand or glove. The cover and sleeve may both be formed of the same flexible material, or the cover may be rigid to maintain the window in a fixed position and the sleeve may be flexible to allow a user to activate a button or touchpad on the handle. An interface region between the cover and sleeve may provide a hermetic seal. The window may include a nanostructured antireflective material to limit internal reflections.