Patents by Inventor Fantu W. Leka

Fantu W. Leka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Aesthetic orthodontic band and attachment assembly
    Patent number: 5753884
    Abstract: An orthodontic assembly that includes a band and an attachment has one or more spot welds to secure the band to the attachment. The spot welds are characterized by the lack of any outer surface weld deformation that is circular in shape, or that is visible to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of twenty-four inches. Apparatus for welding the attachment to the band includes a subframe that is swingable in an arc to follow the inner contour of the band in order to provide automated welding on mesial and distal sides of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Thorsten G. Hilgenfeldt, Allen B. Amundson, Nicholine M. Sandoval, Fantu W. Leka, Robert C. Manemann, Casey A. Campbell
  • Aesthetic orthodontic band and welded attachment assembly
    Patent number: 5529491
    Abstract: An orthodontic assembly that includes a band and an attachment has one or more spot welds to secure the band to the attachment. The spot welds are characterized by the lack of any outer surface weld deformation that is circular in shape, or that is visible to the naked eye when viewed at a distance of twenty-four inches. Apparatus for welding the attachment to the band includes a subframe that is swingable in an arc to follow the inner contour of the band in order to provide automated welding on mesial and distal sides of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thorsten G. Hilgenfeldt, Allen B. Amundson, Nicholine M. Sandoval, Fantu W. Leka, Robert C. Manemann, Casey A. Campbell