Dentsply Sirona. has been granted a patent for an apparatus designed to adjust the focal point in a dental 3D-scanner. The invention features a movable lens unit, a guiding mechanism, and a linear motor drive system, enabling precise control of the focal point relative to scan objects. GlobalData’s report on Dentsply Sirona gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Dentsply Sirona, AI-assisted medical imaging was a key innovation area identified from patents. Dentsply Sirona's grant share as of July 2024 was 59%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Dental 3d-scanner with adjustable focal point apparatus
The granted patent US12066686B2 describes an innovative apparatus designed to enhance the functionality of dental 3D scanners by enabling the variation of the focal point within an optical system. Central to this apparatus is a lens unit that can be moved between two positions—front reversal and rear reversal—allowing for adjustments in the focal point relative to the scan object. The movement of the lens is guided along a specified axis by a guide unit, while a drive unit, featuring a linear motor, facilitates this movement. The design incorporates a coupling arrangement that ensures the movement of the motor's anchor is effectively transferred to the lens unit, allowing for precise control of the lens position.
Further enhancements to the apparatus include a flexible connection element that links the anchor and lens unit, a position sensor for real-time tracking of the lens position, and a linear recirculating ball bearing guide for smooth operation. The patent also outlines features such as a mass compensation mechanism to balance the lens and anchor, a brushless 3-phase linear servomotor for efficient drive, and the capability for the lens unit to oscillate at specified frequencies. Additionally, the patent describes a complete dental 3D scanner that integrates this apparatus with a detector for light signals and a handheld housing for user operation, further emphasizing the practical application of this technology in dental imaging.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
