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Title: |
US6464924:
Method of forming a custom mask using an impression mask
[ Derwent Title ]

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Country: |
US United States of America

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Inventor: |
Thornton, W. Keith; Dallas, TX 75220

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Assignee: |
Thornton; W. Keith, Dallas, TX
News, Profiles, Stocks and More about this company

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Published / Filed: |
2002-10-15
/ 2000-04-05

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Application Number: |
US2000000543406

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IPC Code: |
Advanced:
A61M 16/06;
A61M 16/04;
IPC-7:
A61M 16/00;
A62B 7/00;
C08J 5/00;

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ECLA Code: |
A61M16/06; K61M16/04M1B; K61M16/06C;

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U.S. Class: |
Current:
264/331.12;
128/206.12;
128/206.24;
264/222;
264/331.11;
425/002;
425/816;
Original:
264/331.12;
264/222;
264/331.24;
264/331.11;
425/002;
425/816;
128/206.12;
128/206.24;

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Field of Search: |
264/222,16,17,18,19,20,319,221,330,331.11,331.12,331.24
425/002,DIG. 11,815,816
604/072
128/206.16,206.21,206.24,206.28,207.13,206.12
002/173,206
D24/110.1-110.4

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Priority Number: |
| 2000-04-05 |
US2000000543406 |

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Abstract: |
A method of forming a custom mask (40) includes introducing a deformable material (32) to an impression mask (24) and directing the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24). This forms an impression of the user's face in the deformable material (32) to form the custom mask (40). The impression mask (24) receives the deformable material (32) and directs the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24) in response to pressure applied to the impression mask (24). The deformable material (32) may include a polycaprolactone polymer or an aliphatic polyester. The impression mask (24) may receive the deformable material (32) either before the user's face is brought within the impression mask (24) or while the user's face is within the impression mask (24).

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Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Baker Botts L.L.P. ;

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Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Silbaugh, Jan H.; Shipsides, Geoffrey P.

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INPADOC Legal Status: |
Show legal status actions

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Parent Case: |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/543,405 entitled "Oral Appliance for Improving Breathing and Method of Constructing Same," U.S. application Ser. No. 09/543,397 entitled "Custom Mask and Method of Forming Same," U.S. application Ser. No. 09/543,398 entitled "Custom Mask Assembly and Method for Making Same," and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/543,402 entitled "Device for Improving Breathing and Method of Constructing Same," all filed Apr. 5, 2000 by W. Keith Thornton.
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 08/594,904, filed Jan. 31, 1996, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device for Improving Breathing," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/253,949, filed Jun. 3, 1994, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Combination Face Mask and Dental Device for Improved Breathing During Sleep" (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,994).
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 08/828,523, filed Mar. 31, 1997, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Apparatus for Prevention of Snoring and Improved Breathing During Sleep," which is a file wrapper continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/363,639, filed Dec. 24, 1994, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Apparatus for Prevention of Snoring and Improved Breathing During Sleep" (now abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/129,598, filed Sep. 29, 1993, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Apparatus for Prevention of Snoring and Improved Breathing During Sleep" (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,117).
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 08/787,529, filed Jan. 21, 1997, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device," which is a file wrapper continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/435,277, filed May 5, 1995, by W. Keith Thornton and Andrew O. Jamieson and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device" (now abandoned), which is a file wrapper continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/218,719, filed Mar. 24, 1994, by W. Keith Thornton and Andrew O. Jamieson and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device" (now abandoned).
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/333,874, filed Jun. 15, 1999, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device and Method for Improving Breathing and Method for Fitting Same," which is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/089,628, filed Jun. 16, 1998.
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/290,512, filed Apr. 12, 1999, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device for Improving Breathing," which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/878,998, filed Jun. 19, 1997, by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device for Improving Breathing" (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,892), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/582,526, filed Jan. 3, 1996 by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device for Improving Breathing" (now abandoned), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/253,949.
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/396,986, filed Sep. 15, 1999 by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device for Improving Breathing and Method of Fitting Same."
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/483,741, filed Jan. 17, 2000 by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Oral Appliance Having a Bonding Layer and Methods for Fitting and Relining Same."
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/554,771, filed May 16, 2000 by W. Keith Thornton and entitled "Device and Method for Improving Breathing."

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Family: |
None

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First Claim:
Show all 13 claims |
What is claimed is:
1. A method of forming a custom mask operable to be worn on a user's face to facilitate treatment of sleep disordered breathing, comprising:
- introducing a deformable material to an impression mask;
- directing the deformable material against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask, the at least a portion of the user's face comprising a region substantially surrounding the user's nostrils;
- forming an impression of the at least a portion of the user's face in the deformable material to form the custom mask, the custom mask operable to be worn on the user's face to facilitate treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

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Background / Summary: |
Show background / summary

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Drawing Descriptions: |
Show drawing descriptions

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Description: |
Show description

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Forward References: |
Show 22 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one

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U.S. References: |
Go to Result Set:
All U.S. references
| Forward references (22)
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Backward references (191)
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Citation Link

Buy PDF |
Patent |
Pub.Date |
Inventor |
Assignee |
Title |
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|
DEVICE FOR PREVENTING SNORING.
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|
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Froehlich et al. |
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Standby control for CPAP apparatus
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US5503552 |
1996-04 |
Diesso |
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Dental impression method and composition
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Deighan et al. |
Puritan Bennett Corporation |
Compliance meter for respiratory therapy
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Thornton |
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Combination face mask and dental device for improved breathing during sleep
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Rudolph |
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Airflow delivery system
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Froehlich et al. |
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Control for CPAP apparatus
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Mena |
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James |
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Multi-purpose head-mounted adjustable medical tube holder
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Rapoport |
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Method and apparatus for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
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Berthon-Jones et al. |
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Facial masks for assisted respiration or CPAP
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Jacobs et al. |
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Custom dental tray
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Thornton |
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Apparatus for prevention of snoring and improved breathing during sleep
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1996-12 |
Adell |
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Multi-laminar dental impression tray assembly
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Elstran et al. |
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company |
Positive/negative air pressure adaptor for use with respirators
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Davis |
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Method and apparatus for dispensing a substance
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Karr, Jr. |
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External ear occlusion device having an improved deformable material and metod for forming same
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Vinci guerra et al. |
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Positive pressure impact resistant lens for improved vision and safety
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Belfer |
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Kidd |
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CPAP nose mask
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1998-05 |
Goldstein |
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Nasal and oral air passageway delivery management apparatus
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1998-05 |
Thornton |
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Device for improving breathing
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Thornton |
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Dental device having an improved deformable material and method for forming same
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Kidd et al. |
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Pantino |
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Method of making a face mask from a facial impression and of gas delivery
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System and method for customizing a dental device using an improved deformable material
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Groenke |
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Besset et al. |
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Method of making a personalized helmet liner
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|
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1999-09 |
Thornton |
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Device and method for improving breathing
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1999-11 |
Thornton |
|
Device for improving breathing
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|
US5988166 |
1999-11 |
Hayek |
Dranez Anstalt |
Ventilator apparatus
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|
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2000-01 |
Goldstein |
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Nasal air delivery apparatus
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Frantz et al. |
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Elastic mandibular advancement appliance
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2001-11 |
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|
System for forming dental impressions
|
| * some details unavailable |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign References: |

|
Other Abstract Info: |
CHEMABS 137(20)300008M

|
Other References: |
Mayo Clinic Health Letter, vol. 13, No. 7, "Snoring.", Jul. 1995.
Photocopies of 2-piece dental device manufactured by Currie-Gibson Dental Laboratory, Inc. prior to Apr. 13, 1993.
Farrar & McCarty, "A Clinical Outline of Temporomandibular Joint Diagnosis and Treatment," Normandie Study Group for TMJ Dysfunction, 3 pages, 1983.
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(10 pages)
Cited by 33 patents
[ISI abstract]
George, "Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with a Dental Device," General Dentistry, 5 pages, Jul.-Aug. 1993.
Database WOI, Section PQ, Week 9039, Derwent Publications, Ltd., London, GB XP-002116355--Abstract "Surgical Mouth Air Duct." Dec. 15, 1989.
CPAP/PRO®. . . Introducing a New Comfort Level for CPAP Users!! brochure (2 pages). No date.
W. Keith Thornton, "Combination Face Mask and Dental Device for Improved Breathing During Sleep," USSN 08/594,904 filed Jan. 31, 1996 (019651.0129).
W. Keith Thornton, "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/787,529, pending (019651.0152), Jun. 15, 1999.
W. Keith Thornton, "Apparatus for Prevention of Snoring and Improved Breathing During Sleep," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/828,523, pending (019651.0154), Mar. 31, 1997.
W. Keith Thornton, "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/787,529, pending (019651.0166), Jan. 21, 1997.
W. Keith Thornton, "Device for Improving Breathing," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 09/290,512, pending (019651.0174), Jan. 31, 1996.
W. Keith Thornton, "Device for Improving Breathing and Method for Fitting Same," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 09/396,986, pending (019651.0175), Sep. 15, 1999.
W. Keith Thornton, "Oral Appliance Having a Bonding Layer and Method for Fitting and Relining Same," USSN 09/483,741 (019651.0178), Jul. 17, 2000.
PCT International Search Report, PCT/US97/08708, 4 pages, Aug. 12, 1997.
W. Keith Thornton and Andrew O. Jamieson, "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/218,719, abandoned (019651.0105), Mar. 24, 1994.
W. Keith Thornton, "Apparatus for Prevention of Snoring and Improved Breathing During Sleep," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/363,639, abandoned (019651.0112), Dec. 24, 1994.
W. Keith Thornton and Andrew O. Jamieson, "Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Dental Device," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/435,277, abandoned (019651.0119), May 5, 1995.
W. Keith Thornton, "Device for Improving Breathing," U.S. appln. Ser. No. 08/582,526, abandoned (019651.0121), Jan. 3, 1996.

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