Laser-produced implants
US8350186B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of producing an orthopedic implant including the steps of building a flat open model of at least a portion of an implant. The flat open model may be built using a selective laser sinter process. The flat open model preferably includes at least one groove along either a first surface or a second surface of the model. Next a force may be applied to the flat open model at predetermined locations to thereby cause the model to bend and assume a shape similar to a desired result. The now bent model may be resurfaced by either applying additional material such that the bent flat open model assumes the shape of a desired implant or the bent open model may be snap fit to an additional element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.