Align Technology, Inc.

Craig E Farren

James Clete Culp

Srinivas Kaza

Shiva Prasad Sambu

Kwan Ho

Samuel J Kass

Sergey Nikolsky

Maneesh Dhagat

Qinghui Lu

Dmitry Sultanov

Pavel Agapov

Steven Shifman

Artem Borovinsklh

Roman Wrosz

Eric E Kuo

Artem Borovinskih

A computer-implemented method for the automated adjustment of the position of a cutting tool when cutting dental aligner material includes using a computer for generating digital data that define (a) a first cutting angle in a labial cutting area along a dynamic cutting curve, (b) a second cutting angle in a lingual cutting area along the dynamic cutting curve, and (c) a third cutting angle in a back molar cutting area along the dynamic cutting curve. The cutting tool is automatically moved from the labial cutting area to the back molar cutting area while gradually increasing a cutting tool angle from the first cutting angle to the third cutting angle. The cutting tool is also automatically moved from the lingual cutting area to the back molar cutting area while gradually increasing the cutting tool angle from the second cutting angle to the third cutting angle.

System and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface

In the processing of mass-produced items that include a three-dimensional code formed therein, a system is provided for automating certain post-manufacturing processing steps. The system includes a printing mechanism that applies ink to the three-dimensional code to form an optically-readable code; a code-reading mechanism that reads the optically readable code and transmits a signal indicative of the code to a database that may be employed for tracking the processed items; and a transport mechanism that moves the items from the printing mechanism to the code-reading mechanism. In one embodiment, the system also includes a liquid agent application mechanism that applies a liquid agent to the items after the optically-readable code is formed. The transport mechanism includes a plurality of pallets on which the items are placed for processing, and that is operable to move the pallets sequentially to the several processing mechanisms.

System for processing mass-fabricated items with three-dimensional codes

A system and associated method for selecting or creating an area which meets meet a set of marking criteria, for example, corresponding to a minimum surface area; a maximum slope angle; and a minimum deviation from a specified height. A marking station is directed to mark the selected area that meets the marking criteria.

System and method for selecting a location for marking placement

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a system and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a gingival surface to facilitate cutting of an aligner material comprises the defining of initial gingival curves along the line around a tooth (LAT) on a patient's jaw, including within an interproximal area between teeth. The initial gingival curves are replaced with a modified, dynamic cutting curve comprising an offset adjustment configured to minimize weakening of a region of the aligner material within the interproximal area. This process for generating a modified, dynamic cutting curve within an interproximal area can be suitably applied or continued for each of other the teeth and interproximal areas between those teeth to define a complete dynamic cutting curve. The resulting complete dynamic cutting curve can then be output for conversion into machine executable code to facilitate cutting of the aligner material.

Mass-customized parts are identified by encoding part identification information into a multi-dimensional bar code, wherein mass-customization machinery, such as stereolithography apparatus, is used to make the parts with the multi-dimensional bar code embedded therein.

Identification of units in customized production

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; moving the first mold and the first workpiece into cooperative engagement; subjecting the first workpiece to a vacuum on the side of the first workpiece facing the first mold; and repeating the above steps for a second workpiece and a second different mold.

Method and apparatus for mass customized manufacturing

Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying a mass-customized part by encoding a part identification into a multi-dimensional bar code; and using a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) to make the part with multi-dimensional bar code embedded therein.

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Livermore, CA, United States of America

Craig E Farren