Systems and methods for thermoforming dental aligners
US10315353B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7532
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system includes a heating system, a forming system, a conveyor system, and a plurality of thermoforming assemblies for supporting a dental mold and a thermoforming material. The heating system includes a first heater to heat the thermoforming material when proximate the first heater, a second heater configured to heat the thermoforming material when proximate the second heater, and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the thermoforming material when the thermoforming material is proximate either of the first heater and the second heater. The forming system includes an actuator and a pressure system to compress the heated thermoforming material to the dental mold. The conveyor system moves the plurality of thermoforming assemblies in a stepwise movement sequence from a loading area to the heating system, from the heating system to the forming system, and from the forming system to an unloading area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.