US 11744686

Summary of US Patent 11744686: Intraoral Device

Title: Intraoral device
Current Assignee: Solmetex LLC (though reassignment history also lists Incept Inc., Dryshield, LLC, and security interests by Midcap Financial Trust and Churchill Agency Services LLC).
Inventors: Thien Nguyen, Tam Thanh Pham
Filing Date: March 27, 2014
Issue Date: September 5, 2023
Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such mouthpiece may include a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Claim 1: Mouthpiece with Internal Bridge Structure
This claim describes a dental mouthpiece primarily consisting of a main body that is wider at one end and narrower at the other, creating an internal space. It features a "first wall" (anterior) with a lengthwise slit opening that allows fluids from the mouth to enter the internal space. A "second wall" (posterior) is positioned opposite the first wall, defining the internal space. A "connecting wall" links these two main walls. A key feature is a "bridge structure" integrated into and protruding from the inner surface of the second wall. This bridge structure is wave-shaped with crests and troughs, extending towards the first wall but not attached to it. This design helps maintain separation between the walls during suction while allowing fluid passage through the troughs.

Claim 12: Mouthpiece with Suction Connector Cutout and Cheek Retractor
This claim details a mouthpiece similar to Claim 1, with a main body that is wider at one end and narrower at the other, comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a connecting wall, along with the wave-shaped, non-attached bridge structure on the interior surface of the second wall. Additionally, this claim specifies a "suction connector" extending from the wider end of the main body. This connector has an evacuation conduit (a channel for suction) that is linked to the internal space of the main body. A distinguishing feature of the suction connector is a "cutout shape" designed to interlock with a corresponding protrusion on an external vacuum adapter. The mouthpiece also includes a "cheek retractor" at the narrower end of the main body.

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CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a direct search for "CAFC 2026 dockets patent 11744686" or related IPR2025-01059 did not yield explicit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit docket entries within the provided information. However, it is noted that a PTAB case (IPR2025-01059) was filed, and a district court case was filed in the Michigan Western District Court, both of which could potentially lead to appeals at the CAFC in 2026 or later, but no specific CAFC docket number for 2026 is presently available in the provided text.