Inventors:
Tony Zavilenski - Murrieta CA, 92562
Max Eagleson - Keota OK, 74941
Ron Hagen - San Jose CA, 95113
Yongjin Xie - Cupertino CA, 94014
Richard Sam - Cupertino CA, 94014
Assignee:
Tony Zavilenski - Santa Clara CA
Max Eagleson - Santa Clara CA
Ron Hagen - Santa Clara CA
Yongjin Xie - Santa Clara CA
Richard Sam - Santa Clara CA
International Classification:
A61C 300
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an orthodontic article, a method of making an orthodontic article and an apparatus for making the orthodontic article. The orthodontic article is made by laser welding the work piece, comprising a bracket body and a the pad, together. The article thus formed includes a laser-welded seal around the perimeter of the adjoining areas between the pad and the bracket body. In an exemplary embodiment the apparatus of the invention, makes a series of closely spaced spot welds. The spot welds, in an exemplary embodiment, are significantly overlapped that they form a seal around the entire perimeter of the work piece adjoining areas. The spot welds, in an exemplary embodiment, are significantly overlapped that they form a hermetic seal between the pad and the bracket body. In other exemplary embodiments, the process of manufacturing orthodontic articles is automated and controlled by a computer and computer software.