摘要 |
9 In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, an exemplary claim can define the steps of providing a rotating mount for the initially cast prosthesis in association with a numerically or computer controlled grinding machine. The grinding wheel is rotatably supported so that the wheel can translate vertically and axially relative to the axis of the workpiece, and can pivot in a plane generally parallel to the axis of the workpiece. In one step, the stem of the workpiece is rotated as the grinding wheel is held in position substantially perpendicular to the axis of the stem. The grinding wheel is then retracted and repositioned along the length of the stem through a series of successive positions. At each position, the grinding wheel is rotated in contact with the rotating workpiece. Once the grinding wheel is positioned at the transition region, the workpiece is preferably rotated through 180° on both sides of the transition region. When the grinding wheel is repositioned, it is not only moved axially relative to the workpiece, but also pivoted through a succession of angular positions until the grinding wheel is aligned with the shoulder of the prosthesis at the last position of the grinding wheel.
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