Patents by Inventor Alexander Hofmann
Alexander Hofmann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10821386Abstract: An apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by successive, selective layer-by-layer exposure and thus successive, selective layer-by-layer solidification of construction material layers of construction material that can be solidified by means of an energy beam, comprising a filter device provided for filtering process gas arising in the course of performing additive construction processes in a process chamber of the apparatus, wherein the filter device comprises several filter modules with a filter module housing each, wherein every filter module housing comprises a filter body receiving room configured with a defined geometry provided for receiving a defined number of filter bodies configured with a defined geometry, wherein every filter module comprises connection interfaces on the filter module via which it is or can be connected, if required, to defined connection areas of a pipe structure of the apparatus that is or can be flown through by the process gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander Hofmann, Jens Stammberger, Ralf Hetzel
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Patent number: 10821666Abstract: A system for additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising at least one work station, which is designed to carry out at least one work process as part of the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising: at least one, particularly user-side, movable, particularly sliding, transport carriage, which comprises a frame structure, which comprises a receiving device, which comprises a receptacle chamber designed to receive a powder module within the frame structure, wherein the frame structure comprises at least two frame structure sections, wherein a first frame structure section is borne so as to be movable relative to a second frame structure section, particularly in a vertically aligned movement direction, wherein the transport carriage comprises at least one, particularly motorized lifting device, which is designed to generate a lifting force that moves the first frame structure section relative to the second frame structure section.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Concept Laser GmbHInventors: Alexander Hofmann, Jens Stammberger, Patrick Brückner
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Patent number: 10821545Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, wherein a direct measuring unit (4) is provided for determining a position and/or a travel distance of at least one moveable component (5) of the apparatus (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander Hofmann, Jens Stammberger
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Publication number: 20200230883Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, comprising a dose module (5) and a build module (6) and an application unit (8), wherein the application unit (8) is adapted to convey build material (3) from a dose plane (10) provided by the dose module (5) to a build plane (11) of the build module (6), wherein at least one buffer module (15) is provided, wherein the application unit (8) is adapted to convey build material (3) from a buffer plane (17) to the build plane (11), which buffer plane (17) is provided by the buffer module (15) in an operational state of the apparatus (1) in which the dose module (5) is not available, in particular during an exchange of the dose module (5), wherein the buffer plane (17) is smaller than the dose plane (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2019Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Denise HIEMANN, Ralf HETZEL
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Publication number: 20200189168Abstract: An injection-molding device for producing a hollow-formed plastic object, at least comprising a mold for the primary shaping of the plastic object, an injection device for at least partially introducing a flowable polymer melt into a cavity within the mold and a fluid injection device for introducing a pressurized fluid and for driving a projectile through the polymer melt introduced into the cavity, the mold comprising a mold wall and a mold core that is arranged at least partially within the mold wall, the projectile being formed at least partially in such a hollow-formed manner that it is arranged on the mold core and is movable along a longitudinal extent of the mold core on the latter. A projectile injection process for producing a hollow-formed plastic object with this injection-molding device and a hollow-formed plastic object produced by this process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHGInventors: Jens-Uwe Gleu, Alexander Hofmann
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Publication number: 20200182667Abstract: A method for evaluating discrete measurement data sequences of an ultrasonic flow measuring device having a recording frequency and ultrasound signal, includes determining time position or height of a maximum of a sinusoidal profile of a time sequence of evaluation values, determined as part of a measurement data sequence or cross-correlation of two sequences recorded at different positions of the device by determining a maximum evaluation value of the time sequence and evaluation values thereof adjacent thereto. Initial values, including an initial maximum value and time, are determined by quadratic fit of evaluation values. Output values including output time describing the position or output height describing the height of the maximum are determined by a determination relationship setting output values in relation with initial values and a calculation quantity formed from selected evaluation values for known recording frequency and known signal frequency and based on a known sinusoidal profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: MICHAEL MAYLE, ANDREAS MADINGER, ULRICH GAUGLER, ALEXANDER HOFMANN
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Publication number: 20200147879Abstract: Plant (1) for additively manufacturing at least one three-dimensional object, comprising at least one process station (2) for an additive manufacturing process, wherein at least one functional component (4, 5), preferably a lifting device for a powder module (7), of the process station (2) is at least partially enclosed by a housing structure (3) of the process station (2), wherein the process station (2) is coupled or can be coupled with at least one powder module (7), wherein the housing structure (3) comprises at least one opening (6) for loading and/or unloading the at least one powder module (7) into or from the process station (2), wherein a platform (8) is provided that is arrangeable or arranged adjacent to the at least one opening (6), wherein the platform (8) comprises at least one positioning unit (10) with at least one positioning surface for positioning a module carrier (12) which is adapted to carry the at least one powder module (7)Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Carsten RÖBLITZ
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Publication number: 20190314930Abstract: Method for additively manufacturing at least one three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of build material layers (3) applied in a build plane (BP) of an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of at least one energy beam (5), wherein at least one build material layer (3) which is to be selectively irradiated and consolidated by means of the energy beam (5) comprises at least one build material layer section (11) having a curved shape with respect to at least one extension direction of the build material layer (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Daniel WINIARSKI, Alexander HOFMANN
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Patent number: 10445673Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage devices, for predictive models for electric power grid maintenance. In some implementations, one or more computers receive data indicating a maintenance action to be performed for a utility system (e.g., an electric power delivery system, a water system, a gas distribution system), a location for the maintenance action, and environmental conditions at the location. In some examples, the one or more computers also receive data indicating a training level, incident history, or health status of a worker assigned to perform the maintenance action. The one or more computers generate outcome scores for the maintenance action using a model generated from records for maintenance performed by multiple utilities. The one or more computers access mapping data indicating a mapping of the multiple types of potential outcomes with a plurality of maintenance plan elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: American Public Power Assocation Inc.Inventors: Alexander Hofmann, Michael John Hyland
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Publication number: 20190299533Abstract: Plant (1) comprising at least one apparatus (2-4) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which plant (1) comprises at least one module (5) separably connected or connectable with the apparatus (2-4), wherein the plant (1) comprises at least one tunnel structure (7) through which the at least one module (5) is moveable in a tunnel transport direction (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Viktor KREMER, Andreas LUTZ, Dragan FILIPOVIC, Roland MENASSA, Danilo VELJKOVIC, Alexander HOFMANN
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Publication number: 20190275586Abstract: Build material application device for additively manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the build material application device comprising: at least one blade-like build material application member; at least one support unit for supporting the blade-like build material application member, wherein the support unit comprises at least two support unit members defining a receiving section for receiving a blade-like build material application member, a first support unit member is moveably supported relative to a second support unit member between a first operating position, in which a holding force is exertable or exerted on a blade-like build material application member received in the receiving section, and a second operating position, in which no holding force is exertable or exerted on a blade-like build material application member received in the receiving section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Viktor DERING, Alexander HOFMANN, Daniel WINIARSKI
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Patent number: 10396685Abstract: Some embodiments may include a multi-stage converter comprising: a branch connected between a positive busbar and a negative busbar; and a control device. The branch has two arms connected in series. The arms each comprise a series circuit including a plurality of two-pole submodules, an energy store, and a communication connection to the control device. The communication connection transmits state of charge of the energy store and a switching instruction for the respective submodule. For at least a subset of the submodules, the communication connection comprises a common communication connection with a plurality of insulation paths having an insulation capability in each case of at most 5 kV.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Manuel Blum, Marek Galek, Alexander Hofmann, Dirk Malipaard, Benjamin Ruccius
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Publication number: 20190249978Abstract: A strain gauge for measuring force and strain is provided that has reduced susceptibility to interfering electromagnetic fields. The strain gage includes a first insulation layer, which has a top side, a resistance element, which is arranged on the top side of the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, which is arranged on the resistance element and which is joined to the first insulation layer at least in some sections, and an electrically conductive layer, which is arranged on the second insulation layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2017Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Alexander Hofmann
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Publication number: 20190240911Abstract: Method for determining position data for an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective consolidation of layers (17-19, 21-23) of a build material (3) arranged in a build plane (4) essentially extending in x- and y-direction, which build material (3) can be consolidated by means of an energy source, wherein the build material (3) is carried by a carrying element (9) of a carrying unit (8), wherein the carrying element (9) is essentially movable in z-direction, wherein the z-direction is essentially perpendicular to the x- and y-direction, wherein position data relating to an x- and/or y-position of the carrying element (9) are determined for at least one z-position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Carsten RÖBLITZ
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Publication number: 20190224782Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing at least one three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of at least one energy beam (4), comprising: —a process chamber (7) in which a process gas stream chargeable or charged with non-consolidated particulate build material is generated during operation of the apparatus (1); —a streaming channel structure (16) comprising at least one streaming channel element (15) for a respective process gas stream the streaming channel element (15) communicating with a process gas stream inlet (9a) and/or a process gas stream outlet (9b) of the process chamber (7); —a particle separation device (18) configured to separate non-consolidated build material from the process gas stream streaming through the at least one streaming channel element (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Jens STAMMBERGER
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Publication number: 20190184515Abstract: A machine (10) for machining workpieces with optical quality has at least one workpiece spindle (12), which rotatably drives a workpiece (L) to be machines about a workpiece axis of rotation (C). A swivel head (14) located opposite the workpiece spindle, is pivotable about a pivot axis (B), and bears at least two tool spindles (16, 18), each of which rotatably driving at least one machining tool (T1, T2, T3) about a tool axis of rotation (D, D?). The workpiece spindle and the swivel head (14) are adjustable relative to one another along three mutually perpendicular linear axes (X, Y, Z). One axis (Y) extends parallel to the pivot axis (B). Another axis (Z) extends parallel to the axis (C) of workpiece rotation. At least one tool spindle is attached to the swivel head with its tool axis of rotation (D?) extending parallel to the pivot axis (B).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Joachim DIEHL, Alexander HOFMANN, Steffen MOOS
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Publication number: 20190176402Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective consolidation of layers of a build material, comprising a build material removal device (3) with at least one build material removal unit (4) adapted to remove non-consolidated build material (5) surrounding an additively built object (2), wherein the build material removal device (3) comprises a build material removal chamber (6) delimiting a build material removal volume (7), wherein the build material removal chamber (6) is arranged or arrangeable above the object (2), wherein the object (2) is successively moveable into the build material removal chamber (6), wherein the at least one build material removal unit (4) is adapted to remove non-consolidated build material (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Daniel WINIARSKI
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Publication number: 20190160537Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), the apparatus (1) comprising: at least one chamber (8) in which build material depositions (3?) are built during operation of the apparatus (1), at least one carrying device (12), the carrying device (12) comprising at least one carrying element (12b) being moveably supported in at least one degree of freedom of motion within the at least one chamber (8), a cleaning device (14) assignable or assigned to the at least one chamber (8), the cleaning device (14) being adapted to remove respective undesired build material depositions (3?) from the at least one chamber (8), the cleaning device (14) comprising at least one cleaning element (14a) being connectable with the carrying element (12b).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2018Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventor: Alexander HOFMANN
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Publication number: 20190134751Abstract: Apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), the apparatus (1) comprising: a support construction (5); at least one functional unit (6-10) of the apparatus (1) being supported by the support construction (5); the at least one functional unit (6-10) is moveably supported relative to the support construction (5), whereby the at least one functional unit (6-10) is moveably supported between an operating position in which the at least one functional unit (6-10) is positioned inside the support construction (5) and a service position in which the at least one functional unit (6-10) is at least partially positioned outside the support construction (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Alexander HOFMANN, Daniel WINIARSKI, Jens STAMMBERGER
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Publication number: 20190134715Abstract: Powder module (1) for an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects, the powder module (1) comprising a powder chamber (6) having a power chamber volume (7) and a carrying device (9), the carrying device (9) comprising: a carrying unit (8) being moveably supported along a motion axis between a first position, particularly a lower end position, and a second position, particularly an upper end position, relative to the powder chamber (6), a drive unit (10) for generating a drive force for moving the carrying unit (8) between the first position and the second position or vice versa, a coupling unit (11) for coupling the carrying unit (8) with the drive unit (10), and a second extension state, particularly corresponding to the second position of the carrying unit (8), a guiding unit (12) surrounding the coupling unit (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: CONCEPT LASER GMBHInventors: Jens STAMMBERGER, Alexander HOFMANN, Olaf JÄGER, Lukas STACHE