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US4664627A
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Dental contact gauge
Assignee: GC Corp
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Filing: 1985-09-19
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Granted: 1987-05-12
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Expires: 2005-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A dental contact gauge used for the examination of the proximal contact relation of adjacent two teeth, in which a gauge plate having a constant thickness is formed of a shape-memory alloy. As the shape-memory alloy, use is made of an alloy which is not harmful in the oral mouth, and is restored to the stored shape at a temperature of no lower than 40° C. used for sterilization in dental clinics.
Inventors
- 👤 Ikuo Kyotani
- 👤 Kentaro Tomioka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B1/00; G01B3/00; G01B3/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A dental contact gauge used to measure the interproximal distance between two adjacent teeth in the same row of teeth, said dental contact gauge comprising a working portion that: (a) has a constant thickness and (b) is formed of a shape-memory alloy selected so that, after deformation by contact with the teeth during use, said working portion returns to its original shape upon being heated to a temperature at least slightly higher than the temperature of human mouths.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A dental contact gauge used to measure the interproximal distance between two adjacent teeth in the same row of teeth, said dental contact gauge comprising a working portion that: (a) has a constant thickness and (b) is formed of a shape-memory alloy selected so that, after deformation by contact with the teeth during use, said working portion returns to its original shape upon being heated to a temperature at least slightly higher than the temperature of human mouths.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A dental contact gauge as recited in claim 1 wherein said shape-memory alloy is selected so that, after deformation by contact with the teeth during use, said working portion returns to its original shape upon being heated to a temperature in the range of 40° C. to 250° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A dental contact gauge as recited in claim 1 wherein said shape-memory alloy is selected from the group consisting of Ti--Ni shape-memory alloy, Cu--Zn--Al shape-memory alloy, and Fe--Mn shape-memory alloy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A dental contact gauge as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a grip mounted at each end of said working portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4037324A
Cited
US4390028A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-05-11 | 1990-11-10 | 1991-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-11 | 1994-11-10 | 1995-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-11 | 1998-11-10 | 1999-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |