Jaw movement simulation
US4034474A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1974 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C11/088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An upper frame including parallel side arms is supported on the patient's ears and attached to a transverse rod supported on the bridge of the patient's nose. A record plate depends from each side arm overlying each of the patient's temporomandibular joints. A lower frame is attached to the lower jaw by means of an adjustable clutch. Adjustable side arms carrying movable styluses engage the record plates on the upper frame. Movement of the styluses over the record plates is monitored to obtain measurements of the joint movements. A tooth separator swingably mounted on the transverse rod of the lower frame separates the rear teeth slightly when the jaw movements are being measured. After the hinge axis position has been located on the record plates, an adjustable straight edge is utilized to indicate the true horizontal plane of reference formed by the two hinge axis points and the point on the patient's nose. The stylus movements can be monitored mechanically or electronically and the resulting measurements utilized to set an adjustable dental articulator or to select preformed motion analogue blocks having pathways for guiding the styluses of an articulator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.