Laser annealing marking of orthodontic appliance
US5556276A · kind A · utility
28Cited by
2References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/94
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthodontic appliance for use in the mouth which includes an annealing process to provide a marking area. A laser is used to surface anneal an orthodontic appliance, such as an orthodontic bracket, for identification purposes and to withstand a number of recycling processes for sterilization purposes. The surface annealing process does not remelt the marking area and is an advantage over the prior art in that the marking area is not rough or weakened by remelting the structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.