Method and apparatus for processing hard material
US8348933B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
36References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/0217
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for processing a hard material, for example a hard biological material such as dental enamel or bone, with optical radiation. A treatment zone of the material is selectively cleaned of ablation products and other dirt to enhance processing efficiency, and a tip through which the optical radiation is applied to the treatment zone of the hard material is spaced slightly from the treatment zone during at least a portion of the time that hydrating fluid is being applied to the zone and/or while air or another gas is applied to the zone to clean the surface thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.