Method and apparatus for mass customized manufacturing
US7572121B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/809
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing dental aligners. The system includes a workpiece introduction system having at least one workpiece preparation chamber. The system further has a mold manipulation system, having a mold introduction chamber, where a series of different molds may be introduced one after the other; a mold preparation chamber; a workpiece operation chamber; and a mold manipulator to move the mold between the mold introduction chamber, the mold preparation chamber, and the workpiece operation chamber; and a workpiece manipulator to move the workpiece between the workpiece preparation chamber and the workpiece operation chamber. In operation, the method includes steps of inserting a first workpiece into a workpiece preparation chamber; preparing the first workpiece for processing by subjecting the first workpiece to at least one preparation process; moving the first workpiece into a workpiece operation chamber; moving a first mold into a mold preparation chamber; preparing the first mold for processing by subjecting the first mold to at least one preparation process; moving the first mold into the workpiece operation chamber; m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.