Inventors:
Thorsten G. Hilgenfeldt - Montrose CA
Allen B. Amundson - Upland CA
Nicholine M. Sandoval - Monrovia CA
Fantu W. Leka - La Verne CA
Robert C. Manemann - Huntington Beach CA
Casey A. Campbell - Arcadia CA
Assignee:
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN
International Classification:
A61C 718
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.