Mill blank library and computer-implemented method for efficient selection of blanks to satisfy given criteria
First Claim
1. A method of assembling blanks for use in manufacturing dental restorations, comprising:
- given a set of blanks, selecting an assemblage of the blanks that satisfy a given criterion, wherein at least first and second of the blanks in the assemblage comprise a body adapted to be shaped by material removal, the body of the first blank having a geometry that differs from the body of the second blank by other than scaling; and
using that assemblage to manufacture dental restorations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to mill blank constructions to facilitate the manufacture of dental restorations. A given mill blank is formed in a shape (i.e. with a given geometry) that has been predetermined to reduce material waste when the mill blank is machined into the final part. A set of two or more blanks each having such characteristics comprise a smart blank “library.” In one embodiment, a smart blank library includes a sufficient number of unique blanks such that, when the geometry of the designed restoration is known, the smart blank with a highest yield can be selected for use in milling the restoration. The “yield” of a given smart blank represents the amount of material of the smart blank that is actually used in the final restoration. Automated processes for smart blank inventory management and smart blank selection are also described.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of assembling blanks for use in manufacturing dental restorations, comprising:
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given a set of blanks, selecting an assemblage of the blanks that satisfy a given criterion, wherein at least first and second of the blanks in the assemblage comprise a body adapted to be shaped by material removal, the body of the first blank having a geometry that differs from the body of the second blank by other than scaling; and
using that assemblage to manufacture dental restorations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An assemblage, comprising:
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a plurality of mill blanks, at least first and second of the mill blanks in the plurality each comprising a body adapted to be shaped by material removal;
wherein the body of the first blank has a geometry that differs from the body of the second blank by other than scaling. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of producing dental items, comprising:
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maintaining an assemblage of “
m”
mill blanks, the assemblage comprising at least first and second mill blanks each comprising a body adapted to be shaped by material removal, wherein the body of the first blank has a geometry that differs from the body of the second blank by other than scaling;
for a given restoration R being designed, selecting a subset {B1, B2, . . . Bn) of “
n”
blanks, where n≦
m, such that each of the blanks of the subset contain the restoration R; and
selecting a given one of the blanks of the subset for use in producing the restoration. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification