Patent ID: 8021149

Claim:
An apparatus to replicate and analyze movement of a mandible relative to a maxilla with dental casts thereof, the apparatus comprising: a base frame; an arm connected to the base frame for supporting the dental cast of the maxilla in a fixed position relative to the base frame; a suspension assembly to support the dental cast of the mandible in working relation to the dental cast of the maxilla, the suspension assembly including opposing first and second sides, a platform for supporting the dental cast of the mandible, and a yoke member supporting the platform, the yoke member having a first side corresponding with the first side of the suspension assembly and a second side corresponding with the second side of the suspension assembly; a first positionable strut attached to the first side of the yoke member; a second positionable strut attached to the second side of the yoke member, the platform positionably disposed between the first and second struts, wherein the attachment of the yoke member to the struts defines a pivoting axis of the suspension assembly, the pivoting axis positioned above the platform; a first actuator to impart lateral movement upon the suspension assembly; a second actuator to impart forward or rearward movement to the first side of the suspension assembly; a third actuator to impart forward or rearward movement to the second side of the suspension assembly; a fourth actuator to elevate or lower the first side of the suspension assembly; and a fifth actuator to elevate or lower the second side of the suspension assembly, whereby activating each actuator to impart said respective movement, the suspension assembly is positionable to replicate movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla; wherein the first actuator connects to either the first strut or the second strut, wherein the second and fourth actuators connect to the first strut, wherein the third and fifth actuators connect to the second strut, whereupon activating each actuator the struts are manipulated to position the platform to replicate three-dimensional movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla.