Rapid Production of Customized Masks
OwnerPhillip E. Markinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein is a system designed for the rapid preparation of anatomically customized mask employing data from a patient. The data may take the form of a multidimensional image of a target area of a patient's face obtained by optical 3 dimensional imaging, or a dot or line scan form laser imaging, pattern laser photography or stereo photography. Also disclosed is a mask that is designed so as to be unobtrusive and comfortable for the user. The body of the mask is made of a thin layer, so it is lightweight and closely hugs the targeted region upon which it rests (e.g. the nasal region). Methods for producing anatomically customized masks are also described.
Claims20
A method of making an especially tailored CPAP mask comprising:
- providing a tray to a subject, said tray configured for covering a nasal region of a subject, said nasal region comprising at least a portion of said subject's nose and nostrils;
- obtaining from said subject a facial impression that has been formed by a positioning of said tray over said nasal region, said tray being loaded with a deformable material such that said deformable material forms an impression of said nasal region;
- making a mold of said nasal region from said facial impression;
- scanning said mold at a first scanning angle to produce a first dataset;
- scanning said mold at a second scanning angle to produce a second dataset;
- wherein said first and second datasets are produced simultaneously;
- generating a master dataset based on said first and second datasets;
- converting said master dataset into multidimensional model image useful in directing a cutting machine;
- generating a protruding surface on said multidimensional image to form a modified multidimensional image, wherein said protruding surface extends from a natural contour of at least a portion of said multidimensional image
- cutting a mold of said patient's face based on said modified multidimensional model image;
- and
- vacuforming a layer of material over said mold to form an unfinished mask.
A method of making an especially tailored CPAP mask comprising:
- providing a unitary deformable blank to a subject, said blank configured for covering a nasal region of a subject, said nasal region comprising at least a portion of said subject's nose and nostrils;
- obtaining from said subject a facial impression that has been formed by a positioning of said unitary deformable blank over said nasal region such that said deformable blank forms an impression of said nasal region;
- making a mold of said nasal region from said facial impression;
- scanning said mold at a first scanning angle to produce a first dataset;
- scanning said mold at a second scanning angle to produce a second dataset;
- wherein said first and second datasets are produced simultaneously;
- generating a master dataset based on said first and second datasets;
- converting said master dataset into multidimensional model image useful in directing a cutting machine;
- generating a protruding surface on said multidimensional image to form a modified multidimensional image, wherein said protruding surface extends from a natural contour of at least a portion of said multidimensional image
- cutting a mold of said patient's face based on said modified multidimensional model image;
- and
- vacuforming a layer of material over said mold to form an unfinished mask.
A tray useful for obtaining a facial impression of a subject, said tray comprising a casing having a front side and a back side, the casing configured for covering a nasal region of a subject, wherein said nasal region comprising at least a portion of said subject's nose and nostrils;
- a first lateral flap portion, a second lateral flap portion and a protruding nose receptacle portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.