US 5,629,972 A · Intraoral radiograph alignment device

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus for use in serial radiography which provides replicable projection geometry between an energy source, an intraoral target area, and an image receptor. The device uses a biting surface bearing the impressions of a patient's tooth surfaces and an alignment arm which terminates in an alignment ring. The alignment ring is received by a sensor ring affixed to an x-ray source to provide proper projection geometry. Sensors in communication with electronic means may be disposed about the sensor ring to indicate proper alignment. The biting surface may comprise an acrylic stent or a platform supporting a quantity of an impressionable material.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An apparatus for providing a replicable projection geometry between an energy source, an intraoral target area, and an image receptor, comprising:

a rigid alignment arm, supporting at one end an alignment ring, and supporting at its opposite end an image receptor, the plane of said alignment ring being perpendicular to said alignment arm and said alignment ring having a planar face;
a platform mountable to said arm a fixed relationship to said image receptor, said platform supporting a quantity of a material bearing impressions of a patient's tooth surfaces;
and,
a sensor ring, mountable about an energy beam source and having a planar surface for engaging the planar face of said alignment ring,
whereby flat contact between the planar surfaces of said alignment ring and sensor ring produces a replicable projection geometry between said energy beam source, target area, and image receptor.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intraoral radiograph alignment device

Life of this patent

Intraoral radiograph alignment device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16