Apparatus and method for customized shaping of orthodontic archwires and other medical devices
US10076780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49568
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.