Martin T Barco

US Patent:

63223643, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Apr 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/541924

Inventors:

Yoshiki Oshida - Indianapolis IN
Martin Thomas Barco - Martinsville IN

Assignee:

Advanced Research and Technology Institute - Bloomington IN

International Classification:

A61C 800

US Classification:

433173

Abstract:

Described are unique prosthesis systems including superplastically-formed prosthetic elements, and methods and an apparatus for forming such elements. A preferred dental prosthesis system includes at least two osseointegrated fixtures, abutments attached to the fixtures, a bar member interconnecting the abutments, and a prosthesis detachably connected to the bar member, wherein the prosthesis includes a superplastically-formed metal element having a surface conforming to the bar member and abutments, a resin denture base attached to the metal element, and artificial teeth mounted on the resin denture base. The preferred prosthetic components are prepared by superplastic forming under temperature conditions which are repeatedly cycled above and below the transformation temperature of the metal being formed. In this fashion, metal components having excellent microstructures are prepared, which exhibit characteristic high strength, superior corrosion resistance and excellent dimensional accuracy and stability as well.

US Patent:

61160709, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

Nov 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/189895

Inventors:

Yoshiki Oshida - Indianapolis IN
Martin Thomas Barco - Martinsville IN

Assignee:

Advanced Research and Technology Institute - Bloomington IN

International Classification:

B21D 2602

US Classification:

72 60

Abstract:

Described are unique prosthesis systems including superplastically-formed prosthetic elements, and methods and an apparatus for forming such elements. A preferred dental prosthesis system includes at least two osseointegrated fixtures, abutments attached to the fixtures, a bar member interconnecting the abutments, and a prosthesis detachably connected to the bar member, wherein the prosthesis includes a superplastically-formed metal element having a surface conforming to the bar member and abutments, a resin denture base attached to the metal element, and artificial teeth mounted on the resin denture base. The preferred prosthetic components are prepared by superplastic forming under temperature conditions which are repeatedly cycled above and below the transformation temperature of the metal being formed. In this fashion, metal components having excellent microstructures are prepared, which exhibit characteristic high strength, superior corrosion resistance and excellent dimensional accuracy and stability as well.