Thomas K Blake

US Patent:

6439966, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Aug 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/922379

Inventors:

Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA
Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Manufacturing Inc. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

B24B 100

US Classification:

451 38, 451 99, 451102, 451 90, 451 60, 433 84, 433 88, 433125

Abstract:

A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize âbleed downâ of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

US Patent:

RE39714, Jul 3, 2007

Filed:

Aug 27, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/929153

Inventors:

Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA, US
Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA, US
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA, US

Assignee:

Danville Materials, Inc. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

B24B 1/00
B24B 9/00
B24C 9/00

US Classification:

451 38, 451 60, 451 90, 451 99, 451102, 433 88, 433125

Abstract:

A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

US Patent:

59846771, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Feb 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

8/952291

Inventors:

Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Engineering - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

A61C 302

US Classification:

433 88

Abstract:

This invention is a method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibration throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. The system can utilize a photo-optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated. The invention also includes a system for easily modifying the content of an air abrasive stream exiting the mixing chamber.

US Patent:

57185816, Feb 17, 1998

Filed:

May 9, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/438335

Inventors:

Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Manufacturing, Inc. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

A61C 302

US Classification:

433 88

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibrations throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. This system can utilize a photo optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated.

US Patent:

59846780, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Sep 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/158640

Inventors:

Craig R Bruns - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Mark S Fernwood - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Engineering - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

A61K 500

US Classification:

433 88

Abstract:

The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

US Patent:

58105875, Sep 22, 1998

Filed:

May 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/647686

Inventors:

Craig R. Bruns - San Ramon CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Engineering - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

A61K 500

US Classification:

433 88

Abstract:

The present invention describes a novel composition and system for use for removal of organic and inorganic materials from a variety of substrates, including a tooth surface, without damage occurring to the substrate. The disclosed composition comprises a friable abrasive particle which when propelled by a gas stream at a surface for a time sufficient departs adequate energy to remove organic and inorganic materials from the surface without causing any significant ablation of the surface.

US Patent:

62770039, Aug 21, 2001

Filed:

Mar 8, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/445101

Inventors:

Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA
Stephen L. Swihart - Walnut Creek CA

Assignee:

Danville Engineering - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

B24C 500

US Classification:

451 91

Abstract:

An apparatus for dispensing a pressurized stream of gas having particles suspended therein, is described. A double acting pinch valve suitable for use in the apparatus is also described. The apparatus finds particular utility in the dental industry.

US Patent:

61495093, Nov 21, 2000

Filed:

Apr 28, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/067787

Inventors:

Craig R. Bruns - Danville CA
Thomas S. Blake - Danville CA
Mark S. Fernwood - Danville CA

Assignee:

Danville Engineering - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

B24C 504

US Classification:

451 90

Abstract:

A removable nozzle head for a miniature sandblaster used for medical or industrial applications is disclosed comprising a nozzle, a handpiece nozzle adapter, a nozzle locking ring where the nozzle and nozzle handpiece adapter each have corresponding first and second bore in fluid communication to allow delivery of independent supplies of a gas and an abrasive laden stream to a mixing chamber in the nozzle for delivery through a orifice tube to a surface to be abraded, cleaned or modified.

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0390100005

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0874888972

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0874889030

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0874889979

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0896032612

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0896032922

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0896037622

Author:

Thomas M. Blake

ISBN #:

0896037681