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US 8,177,428 B2Granted
Holder device for dental x-ray digital sensor
AssigneeDENTSPLY International Inc.
InventorsJohn E. Steck, Kimberly C. Brown, Nicole Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sensor holder (10) includes a frame member (20) that bounds a void area (21) and which is configured to receive a sensor (11). A retaining means (50, 51) is provided to hold the sensor (11) to the frame (20) such that a connecting cable (12) affixed to the sensor (11) is secured and positioned by the void area (21) for a subsequent imaging procedure.
Claims18
A dental system comprising:
- a digital dental x-ray sensor having a connecting cable;
- and
- a holder for the digital dental x-ray sensor, the holder including:
- a bite block affixed to an upstanding frame, said frame provided with at least one void area completely bound by said frame;
- said frame further provided with a plurality of latch fingers configured to resiliently receive the digital dental x-ray sensor in a snap-fit relation so as to removeably secure the sensor to said frame;
- such that when the digital dental x-ray sensor is so secured in place by said latch fingers, the connecting cable is positioned through said void area;
- wherein the void area being completely bound by the frame is dimensioned such to allow the sensor to pass therethrough.
4 more elements
A method securing a digital dental x-ray sensor of the type having a connecting cable, comprising the steps of:
- providing a digital dental x-ray sensor having a connecting cable;
- providing a holder comprising a bite block affixed to an upstanding frame, said frame provided with at least one void area completely bound by said frame;
- said frame further provided with a plurality of latch fingers configured to resiliently receive the digital dental x-ray sensor in a snap-fit relation so as to removeably secure the digital dental x-ray sensor to said frame, wherein the void area being completely bound by the frame is dimensioned such to allow the sensor to pass therethrough;
- inserting the digital dental x-ray sensor through said void area such that the sensor is positioned on one side of said frame while the connecting cable is positioned through said void area;
- when necessary turning the sensor such that the sensor is aligned with said latch fingers;
- and
- snap-fitting the sensor to said frame and into a snap-fit receiving relation with said latch fingers.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.