Abstract: An operating site is used to assemble individually designed dental products, for example spacers, abutments, bridges, etc. Each product consists of two or more structural elements. The operating site is provided with computer equipment which can reproduce a simulated model of the jaw, jawbone, implant, etc., and structural elements applied to the model. The operating site is arranged to collate data in a profile relating to part of the assembly. Members are included for transmitting profile data via the network to the central unit. The central unit supplies information relating to the part in question. The information is sent to the operating site or to a production unit connected to the central unit for production of the part. A debiting system is arranged to indicate to the central unit or to the production site that the information or production, respectively, has been paid for.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for allocating prosthetic installation work between at least three parties (A, B, C) a dental situation and fixture application are simulated on a computer screen by the first party. The second party produces first components in connection with the prosthetic installation with the aid of a recording and said simulation. Second components are supplied by the third party (C) and the prosthetic installation is assembled and fitted by the first party by means of said first and second components. The recording includes first and second readings of a loose prosthesis and a portion supporting the prosthetic insallation. The simulation includes collation of representations of the readings on a computer screen. Simulated fixture applications are constructed and a model is produced by one of said parties, or a fourth party. An assembly template guides hole-forming members in an actual substrate in directions which correspond to the directions of the fixtures.

Abstract: A dental product is produced from material in powder form. In a first manufacturing stage, the product is given a shape which is larger than its final shape, and in further manufacturing stages the product is subjected to material shrinkage, sintering and working in order to obtain its final shape. Metal powder is applied to the mold tool, and the mold tool with the applied metal powder is placed in pressure-generating equipment where the powder applied to the mold tool is subjected to compaction pressure which compacts the powder so that at least 80% basic density is obtained in the material. The compacted material is then machined. After machining, the compacted material is removed from the mold tool. The sintering stage is then carried out so that the final shape is obtained.

Abstract: An operating site is used to assemble individually designed dental products, for example spacers, abutments, bridges, etc. Each product consists of two or more structural elements. The operating site is provided with computer equipment which can reproduce a simulated model of the jaw, jawbone, implant, etc., and structural elements applied to the model. The operating site is arranged to collate data in a profile relating to part of the assembly. Members are included for transmitting profile data via the network to the central unit. The central unit supplies information relating to the part in question. The information is sent to the operating site or to a production unit connected to the central unit for production of the part. A debiting system is arranged to indicate to the central unit or to the production site that the information or production, respectively, has been paid for.

Abstract: A device for compressing information sensed from a model of a product is provided. The compressed quantity of information is a subset of the control information that can be transferred, by way of a data link, to machining equipment used to make the product from a blank. The device senses the model in a first coordinate system and converts the sensed first coordinates into corresponding second coordinates, describing the shape in a second coordinate system. These second coordinates form the basis for the control information. Compressing the information substantially reduces the amount of data transmitted over a public telecommunication network of the data link.

Abstract: An apparatus for representing position and function of the jaw and bite of an individual. The apparatus includes a computer including a memory. Information input regarding an outer surface of an object representing at least one part of the jaw and bite into the computer memory. A display for displaying vertical sections representing turning angles of the object and derived from the input information as a function of first control signals generated by the computer. A construction producer producing a construction based upon the displayed vertical sections. The construction is effected by at least one macro instruction carried out by the computer. The macro instruction codes for mathematics and rules for creating the construction. A model producer for producing a model based upon the construction. An articulator receives the model and exposes and simulates function of the outer surface of the object representing the jaw and bite of the individual.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a product for use in the human body using a model having different parts are provided. The method comprises the steps of determining the position of the parts with an apparatus which generates first information related to the position of the parts. The contours of the parts are then scanned with a scanning members, which is functionally separate from the apparatus, and which represents the contour with electrical signals. The electrical signals are supplied to a computer unit which transforms the electrical signals into second information which is arranged in files. The first information and second information is processed concurrently with a computer program run on the computer unit, whereby the positions of the parts in a construction are represented on a computer screen. The processing information representing a construction is then provided from the computer unit to manufacturing equipment which is used to make the product.

Abstract: A process for generating data for manufacturing a three-dimensional body utilizing a computer-aided design program. Mathematical models corresponding to reference three-dimensional bodies are provided. The mathematical models are stored in a memory of a computer. Input data representing an input three-dimensional body are provided to the computer. A representation the input data is generated on a display of the computer. The representation includes at least a portion of a contour of a vertical section extending through a central axis of the input three-dimensional body. A location of a preparation line is determined on the representation of the input three-dimensional body. A representation including at least a portion of a contour of a vertical section extending through a central axis of the one of the mathematical models is generated on the display of the computer superimposed on the representation of the input data.

Abstract: A method for representing position and function of the jaw and bite of an individual. Information regarding at least one part of the jaw and bite of the individual is input into the memory of a computer. Vertical sections derived from the input information are displayed on a display be initiating first controls of the computer. A construction representing the vertical sections is produced. A model of the construction is produced. The model is applied to an articulator, wherein the articulator exposes and simulates position and function of the jaw and bite of the individual.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a prosthetic construction unit to an implant comprises one or more implant control parts; one or more construction unit control parts cooperating with the one or more implant control parts to impart to the unit a distinct position on the implant; recesses in the one or more implant and construction unit control parts; and a securing element, for installing in the recesses of the one or more implant and construction unit control parts to extend in an essentially transverse direction to the implant. The securing element, when in the installed position, creates a pressing force against the one or more construction unit control parts opposite a pressing force created against the one or more implant control parts in an axial direction of the unit and the implant for pressing the unit against the implant.

Abstract: A method and device for scanning, in connection with the production of a three-dimensional body, an outer contour of a rotating model with a scanning device operating at a scanning angle relative to the rotational axis of the model includes rotatably supporting the model such that the contour to be scanned on the model has a preparation line exposed to the angled scanning device; applying the scanning device towards a surface situated on the model below the preparation line; scanning the contour with the scanning device while simultaneously rotating the model and vertically moving at least one of the scanning device and the model with respect to each other during the contour scanning.

Abstract: A sensing device senses a contour (3a) of a model (3) and generates, in response to the sensing, a representation (i1). The representation is used to control tool equipment for producing, for example, dental implants, support members, etc. or tools for producing such implants, members, etc. The representation (i1) is fed to computer equipment (23) which generates a signal array (i13). This latter effectuates or is included in the control of the tool equipment. The signal array (i13) is selected or compressed so that it will be sufficient to enable the tool equipment to perform with its expected degree of accuracy/tolerance in production.

Abstract: A method for scanning, in connection with the production of a three-dimensional dental body, an outer contour of a rotating model with a scanning device which operates at a scanning angle relative to the rotational axis of the model, comprises mounting the model in or on a rotatable holder, supporting the model in the holder so that the contour to be scanned on the model above a preparation line is exposed to the angled scanning device, applying the scanning device towards a surface situated on the model below the preparation line, activating the holder for rotation and the scanning device for contour scanning, and activating during the contour scanning at least one of the scanning device and the holder for movement in the vertical direction of the model.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional body using a program with computer aided design, comprises the steps of generating input data for a computer, the data representing a three-dimensional body model, storing the input data in the computer, instructing the program via an input device to activate first signals for generating based on the input data, a plurality of surfaces representing a three-dimensional body model, each surface comprising a contour of a vertical section extending through a central axis of the three-dimensional body model, instructing the program via the input device to activate second signals for modifying contours of vertical sections in accordance with the desired three-dimensional body, and instructing the program via the input device to activate third signals for storing output data which denotes modifications of the contours in response to second signals, with the output data being transmittable from the computer for manufacturing the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for controlling tool equipment used in production of implants, including a sensing device for sensing a contour of a model to obtain a selected representation based on the sensed contour, processing and controlling devices for receiving and processing the representation signals and for generating a signal array used for controlling of the tool and for controlling the sensing device so that the selected representation signals will ensure generation of the signal array allowing a high degree of accuracy in performance of the controlled tool equipment, wherein the sensing device includes a first device which is interactable with the contour and which displays, at its part interactable with the contour, a first form which substantially corresponds to a second form of a second device included in the tool equipment, with the first and second forms being substantially spherical.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one three-dimensional body. Conditions for sensing at least one model are preset. The conditions includes at least an angle of at least one sensor with respect to a longitudinal axis of the model and a relationship between a rotation speed of the model and a speed of movement of the sensor and the model relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the model. The model is rotated while simultaneously moving at least one of the model and the sensor relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the model while simultaneously sensing a plurality of distances generated by interaction between the sensor and a surface of the model to obtain a first set of data. The preset conditions and the first set of data are transmitted to at least one control for controlling at least one working tool for producing the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A method of producing an article of ceramic material for replacement of a lost substance or tissue in the human body includes making a model having a contour of the article to be produced and positioning in a copying machine the model and a blank from which a tool is to be made. The contour of the model is sensed by sensing devices and transmitted to the blank. The model contour is linearly enlarged by use of mechanical procedures so as to define a linearly enlarged contour on the blank. After the enlarged contour has been defined on the blank, a tool is formed from the blank which has a contour corresponding to the linearly enlarged contour. The ceramic starting material is applied and compacted over the contour of the tool to produce an article with a corresponding enlarged contour.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to produce from a blank an article whose contour is altered, preferably linearly enlarged, with great precision in relation to a corresponding contour of a used model (1c). A copying machine is used in the production. The machine comprises, on the one hand, a first pair of units (1, 2) which are arranged so as to be rotatable. The model (1c) is arranged on the first unit (1) and the blank is arranged on the second unit (2). The machine also comprises a pair of second units (24, 25) in which one supports a detecting member (24a) which is brought into cooperation with the model, and the second unit supports a machining or actuating member which is brought into cooperation with and acts on the blank. The said pairs of units are displaced from and towards each other during production.

Abstract: An angulated spacer element adapted is at its one end for attachment to a fixture having a threaded aperture and implanted in the jaw bone, and to support a dental prosthesis at the other end. The spacer element, which is a unitary member, has a first portion with an end surface thereof permitting abutting engagement with the protruding end of the implanted fixture. The first portion also has a through bore aligned with the threaded aperture in the fixture and defining an internal ledge to enable a screw to pass through the bore, abut the ledge and threadably engage the threaded aperture in the fixture. The first portion is adapted for locking the spacer element in a selectable one of a plurality of rotational, fixed positions in relation to the protruding portion of the fixture. The unitary spacer element also includes a second portion for supporting the dental prosthesis on the spacer element, the second portion forming an acute angle with respect to the through bore of the first portion.

Abstract: In the joining of two elements of hard material which are included in an implant or prosthetic structure, the elements are disposed towards one another by means of a joint formed by contact surfaces. The elements are adjusted to one another and mutually fixed and welded together by laser equipment. Registering circumferential portions of the joint are exposed to two focusing optical devices which emit laser pulses for the welding and form a part of the laser equipment. The focusing devices are aligned each towards one of two substantially registering, or slightly mutually offset, starting areas. Each respective area includes a section of each respective joint circumferential portion with circumjacent parts on the elements.