Abstract: A pressure gauge includes: an outer container defining an outer chamber set to a reference pressure (Pr); an inner container disposed in the outer container; and a tube setting the inside of a first inner chamber of the inner container to a measurement pressure (Px). The inner container includes: a cylindrical rigid wall portion; first and second pressure receiving plates that displace due to a differential pressure between the reference pressure and the measurement pressure; a bellows partitioning the inner container into the first inner chamber and a second inner chamber; and a pressure detection element disposed in the second inner chamber and detecting the measurement pressure based on the displacements of the first and the second pressure receiving plates. The outer chamber and the second inner chamber are set to the reference pressure of a high vacuum that is lower than a lower limit of the measurement pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum gauge includes an introduction tube, a diaphragm displaced by a gas to be measured that is introduced from the introduction tube, a piezoelectric element that has one end coupled to the diaphragm and is displaced along with the diaphragm, an inner structure to which a circumferential edge of the diaphragm and the other end of the piezoelectric element are secured and that is coupled to the introduction tube, and an airtight container to airtightly enclose the introduction tube and the inner structure. The inner structure, the introduction tube, and the diaphragm airtightly partition a space in the airtight container into a pressure introduction chamber to which the gas to be measured is introduced on one surface side of the diaphragm, and a reference pressure chamber on the other surface side of the diaphragm. the reference pressure chamber being set at a high vacuum that is lower than the pressure lower limit of the measurement gas.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes: an outer container defining an outer chamber set to a reference pressure (Pr); an inner container disposed in the outer container; and a tube setting the inside of a first inner chamber of the inner container to a measurement pressure (Px). The inner container includes: a cylindrical rigid wall portion; first and second pressure receiving plates that displace due to a differential pressure between the reference pressure and the measurement pressure; a bellows partitioning the inner container into the first inner chamber and a second inner chamber; and a pressure detection element disposed in the second inner chamber and detecting the measurement pressure based on the displacements of the first and the second pressure receiving plates. The outer chamber and the second inner chamber are set to the reference pressure of a high vacuum that is lower than a lower limit of the measurement pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum gauge includes an introduction tube, a diaphragm displaced by a gas to be measured that is introduced from the introduction tube, a piezoelectric element that has one end coupled to the diaphragm and is displaced along with the diaphragm, an inner structure to which a circumferential edge of the diaphragm and the other end of the piezoelectric element are secured and that is coupled to the introduction tube, and an airtight container to airtightly enclose the introduction tube and the inner structure. The inner structure, the introduction tube, and the diaphragm airtightly partition a space in the airtight container into a pressure introduction chamber to which the gas to be measured is introduced on one surface side of the diaphragm, and a reference pressure chamber on the other surface side of the diaphragm. the reference pressure chamber being set at a high vacuum that is lower than the pressure lower limit of the measurement gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: A build chamber for use in a three-dimensional printer and adapted for receiving powder for producing three-dimensional objects. The build chamber includes a build surface for receiving the powder, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: Materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.

Abstract: A materials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.

Abstract: A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by Three Dimensional Printing. The materials system includes a transition metal catalyst that facilitates the reaction of an acrylate-containing binder with a particulate material.

Abstract: A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by Three Dimensional Printing. The materials system includes a transition metal catalyst that facilitates the reaction of an acrylate-containing binder with a particulate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to three-dimensional printing material systems and method, and an article made therefrom. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three-dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built by using an ink-jet printhead to deliver a fluid to a particulate material that includes particulate material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.

Abstract: A materials system and method is provided to enable the formation of articles by three-dimensional printing. The materials system includes thermoplastic particulate filler material that allows the accurate definition of articles that are strong without being brittle.