Patents by Inventor Christopher B. Williams
Christopher B. Williams 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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Publication number: 20230235187Abstract: Polymer resins for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics are provided, in particular for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics with exception thermal stability and mechanical properties. In some aspects, the polymer resins are prepared by ring opening of an aromatic dianhydride with an alcohol containing an acrylate or methacrylate to produce a photocrosslinkable diacid monomer; conversion of the photocrosslinkable diacid monomer to a photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride; and polymerization of the photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride with an aromatic diamine to produce a photocrosslinkable precursor polymer. Upon crosslinking and drying, a thermal imidization can yield aromatic polyimide polymers with high yield and with micron-scale structural resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: MARUTI HEGDE, TIMOTHY E. LONG, VISWANATH MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, CHRISTOPHER B. WILLIAMS, NICHOLAS CHARTRAIN
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Publication number: 20230182397Abstract: Disclosed are examples for optimizing topology and toolpath creation for multi-axis additive manufacturing. In some examples, layer-less multi-axis ME is achieved by propagating a support structure, propagating deposition paths aligned to arbitrary directions and following an orientation field for the given geometry, and explicitly ordering deposition paths to avoid collisions. In other examples, layer-less multi-axis ME is achieved by aligning extrudate in a three-dimensional space with the orientation field output by a topology optimization algorithm, planning a suitable support structure to enable multi-axis fabrication, and ordering the resulting deposition paths for collision-free fabrication. The created toolpaths can be transmitted to a multi-axis printer for printing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Joseph R. KUBALAK, Christopher B. WILLIAMS
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Patent number: 11618832Abstract: Polymer resins for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics are provided, in particular for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics with exception thermal stability and mechanical properties. In some aspects, the polymer resins are prepared by ring opening of an aromatic dianhydride with an alcohol containing an acrylate or methacrylate to produce a photocrosslinkable diacid monomer; conversion of the photocrosslinkable diacid monomer to a photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride; and polymerization of the photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride with an aromatic diamine to produce a photocrosslinkable precursor polymer. Upon crosslinking and drying, a thermal imidization can yield aromatic polyimide polymers with high yield and with micron-scale structural resolution.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Maruti Hegde, Timothy E. Long, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Christopher B. Williams, Nicholas Chartrain
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Publication number: 20230038063Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Timothy E. LONG, Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Philip J. SCOTT, Christopher B. WILLIAMS
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Patent number: 11433601Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Timothy E. Long, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Philip J. Scott, Christopher B. Williams
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Publication number: 20220088851Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Timothy E. LONG, Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Philip J. SCOTT, Christopher B. WILLIAMS
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BINDERS AND METHODS OF BINDER JETTING INCLUDING BRANCHED POLYMER BINDERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM
Publication number: 20220088855Abstract: Binders and methods of binder jetting are provided based on the use of branched polymer binders. The applicants have found that, even more so than the molecular weight, the ability to achieve higher maximum printable concentrations leads to higher densities and improved structural properties of the manufactured articles. The methods can be used for a variety of articles from metal parts to structural ceramics, to tablets and other oral dosage forms. The branched chain polymers can include a short-chain branched polymer; a long-chained branched polymer; a hyper-branched polymer, a cyclic polymer; a comb-type polymer; a 3-arm star type polymer, a 4-arm star type polymer, a dendritic polymer, and a combination thereof. The branched-chain polymer can include various polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(vinyl alcohol), or poly(acrylic acid).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Christopher B. WILLIAMS, Emily M. WILTS, Timothy E. LONG, Da MA -
Patent number: 11040812Abstract: A water soluble container comprises a water soluble shell enclosing a volume. The water soluble shell comprises a set of voxels.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Travis Kyle Hodgdon, Douglas Michael Graham, Michael Sean Farrell, Corey James Kenneally, Christopher B Williams, Callie Zawaski
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Publication number: 20210162657Abstract: In various aspects, top-down stereolithography apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided herein that allow for additive manufacturing of an article from a high-viscosity resin. The apparatus and methods can print resins having viscosities higher than conventional systems, e.g. viscosities up to about 100 Pa·s at the elevated temperature. The resin may have a room temperature viscosity of about 100 Pa·s, about 250 Pa·s, about 1000 Pa·s, or more. In some aspects, the resin is a solid at room temperature. The apparatus and methods do not rely upon solvents or other viscosity modifiers being added to the resin, and are capable of top-down additive manufacturing approaches which provide reduced stress on the printed article.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2018Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Nicholas CHARTRAIN, Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Christopher B. WILLIAMS
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Publication number: 20200369831Abstract: In various aspects, a polymer resin is provided for vat photopolymerization. The resin can include a polyamic acid salt formed from the addition of a photocrosslinkable amine to a polyamic acid. The resin can include a photoinitiator suitable for initiating crosslinking of the photocrosslinkable amine when exposed to a light source of a suitable wavelength and intensity. The polyamic acid can be formed, for instance, by the addition of a diamine to a suitable dianhydride. Methods of additive manufacturing using the resins are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Jana Herzberger, Timothy E. Long, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Christopher B. Williams
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Publication number: 20200270038Abstract: A water soluble container comprises a water soluble shell enclosing a volume. The water soluble shell comprises a set of voxels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Travis Kyle Hodgdon, Douglas Michael Graham, Michael Sean Farrell, Corey James Kenneally, Christopher B. Williams, Callie Zawaski
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Publication number: 20200248015Abstract: Polymer resins for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics are provided, in particular for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics with exception thermal stability and mechanical properties. In some aspects, the polymer resins are prepared by ring opening of an aromatic dianhydride with an alcohol containing an acrylate or methacrylate to produce a photocrosslinkable diacid monomer; conversion of the photocrosslinkable diacid monomer to a photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride; and polymerization of the photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride with an aromatic diamine to produce a photocrosslinkable precursor polymer. Upon crosslinking and drying, a thermal imidization can yield aromatic polyimide polymers with high yield and with micron-scale structural resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2017Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: MARUTI HEDGE, TIMOTHY E. LONG, VISWANATH MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, CHRISTOPHER B. WILLIAMS, NICHOLAS CHARTRAIN
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Patent number: 10703549Abstract: A water soluble container comprises a water soluble shell enclosing a volume. The water soluble shell comprises a set of voxels.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: Travis Kyle Hodgdon, Douglas Michael Graham, Michael Sean Farrell, Corey James Kenneally, Christopher B Williams, Callie Zawaski
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Publication number: 20190002172Abstract: A water soluble container comprises a water soluble shell enclosing a volume. The water soluble shell comprises a set of voxels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual PropertiesInventors: Travis Kyle Hodgdon, Douglas Michael Graham, Michael Sean Farrell, Corey James Kenneally, Christopher B. Williams, Callie Zawaski
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Patent number: 9418503Abstract: A vending machine for creating a three-dimensional object having an enclosure having an exterior and interior. The interior receives and houses at least one three-dimensional printer. An interface for accepting an instruction associated with an object to be printed and transmitting the instruction to the printer. A storage section for storing a printed object that provides access to the printed part but limits or prohibits access to the interior.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Christopher B. Williams, Amelia M. Elliott, David Lee McCarthy, Nicholas Alexander Meisel
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Publication number: 20140288699Abstract: A vending machine for creating a three-dimensional object having an enclosure having an exterior and interior. The interior receives and houses at least one three-dimensional printer. An interface for accepting an instruction associated with an object to be printed and transmitting the instruction to the printer. A storage section for storing a printed object that provides access to the printed part but limits or prohibits access to the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Christopher B. Williams, Amelia M. Elliott, David Lee McCarthy, Nicholas Alexander Meisel
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Patent number: D1016975Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Christopher R. Streng, Chan Hok, Chadwick B. Williams, Daniel J. Danowski
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Patent number: D1016976Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Christopher R. Streng, Chan Hok, Chadwick B. Williams, Daniel J. Danowski