Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Systems and methods for manufacturing orthodontic appliances

An appliance and orthodontic technology, applied in the field of manufacturing orthodontic appliances, can solve the problems of expensive, delayed sintering process, prolonged manufacturing process, etc.

Active Publication Date: 2013-10-30
ORMCO CORP
View PDF6 Cites 0 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the longer time required for binder removal delays the subsequent sintering process and results in an overall longer manufacturing process
In addition, each of these processes can utilize large amounts of energy, require expensive and / or cumbersome equipment, and generate exhaust streams or other chemicals that are often the subject of environmental regulations

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Systems and methods for manufacturing orthodontic appliances
  • Systems and methods for manufacturing orthodontic appliances
  • Systems and methods for manufacturing orthodontic appliances

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0029] To address shortcomings of existing processes and systems, systems according to embodiments of the present invention utilize supercritical fluids to debond green bodies in the form of orthodontic appliances. The system is thus configured to expose a green body comprising a mixture of metallic or ceramic particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid can remove all or part of the binder leaving behind the particles of the green body. After the binder is removed, the particles retaining their green shape can be sintered and undergo other processes for making orthodontic appliances. As used herein, orthodontic appliances refer to components used for orthodontic treatment. Examples of orthodontic appliances include, but are not limited to figure 2 and 3 Shown are orthodontic brackets, archwires, other appliances that may be directly or indirectly attached or secured to teeth, or tools used in orthodontic treatment. The system can remove binder...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

PropertyMeasurementUnit
areaaaaaaaaaaa
areaaaaaaaaaaa
Login to View More

Abstract

A system 200 for debinding a green body 210 in the form of an orthodontic appliance includes a pressure vessel 220 configured to contain a supercritical fluid. A source 232 of a fluid chemical is coupled to the pressure vessel 220 to supply the fluid chemical to the pressure vessel 220. A heat source 238 is configured to heat the fluid chemical. A pump 234 pressurizes the fluid chemical to at least the supercritical pressure. A collection vessel 244 is coupled to the pressure vessel 220 to capture the binder removed from the green bodies as at least the pressure of the supercritical fluid is reduced. A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance includes exposing green bodies 210 including particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid to remove at least some of the binder from the green bodies, and collecting the removed binder from the supercritical fluid as the supercritical fluid transitions to a non-supercritical fluid.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 638,617, filed April 26, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for manufacturing orthodontic appliances. Background technique [0004] Orthodontic treatment usually involves attaching aligners to the teeth. The force applied to the appliance is then transferred to the teeth and thus moves them. As such, orthodontic appliances represent a major component of orthodontic treatment aimed at improving a patient's dentition. Orthodontic appliances may include brackets, archwires, or other devices. [0005] Using orthodontic brackets as an example, an orthodontist may adhesively adhere the orthodontic brackets to the patient's teeth and engage archwires into the slots of each bracket. The arch wire exerts ben...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): A61C7/00
CPCC22C32/0031B22F3/22B22F3/1025C22C14/00A61C13/0006B22F3/00A61C7/12A61C7/14B01D15/00B01D11/00
Inventor D·M·穆诺斯B·C·严P·B·柯林S-K·谭
Owner ORMCO CORP