NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses.

THE TECHNOLOGY:

Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed an ultrasonic technology for making and recording differential measurements of periodontal structures. The invention is intended as an acoustic analog of the standard periodontal probe. Instead of a metal probe being inserted into the gingival margin upwards of a hundred times per patient, the acoustic probe will scan the periphery of each tooth noninvasively for the presence of abnormalities in the periodontal pocket. Only if a problem is found will more extensive procedures be necessary. This diagnostic mapping system employs a pair of ultrasonic sensors controlled by a dental hand-piece to make measurements of the Cemento-Enamel-Junction (CEJ) of each tooth and the depth of the periodontal pocket or cavity of the tooth relative its CEJ. These measurements are visually displayed, recorded (or mapped), and compared with previous and/or subsequent measurements as an indication of the presence or progress of periodontal disease.  The instrument utilizes ultrasonic sound waves interacting with the tooth structure and with the periodontal structures to map the conditions present within the periodontal pocket. In operation, the software opens a new file on the input of the patient's name. If this is a second or later visit, the software will indicate such and give the dentist the option of opening the previous scan as an underlay for comparison. If this is a new scan, a dental chart will come up on the screen with the typical starting point tooth selected. The dentist can step to whatever point on whatever tooth he wishes on the chart and the data will be entered there. The dentist positions the tip of the hand piece on the desired point of the selected tooth and activates the instrument. The instrument identifies the selected reference point and signals the ultrasound transducer to scan the periodontal space. NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially. US Patent 5,755,571.

To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information.  Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/.