Patents by Inventor Michael Christopher Cole
Michael Christopher Cole 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: 20240140031Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing of objects are provided. In some embodiments, a system for fabricating an object includes a flexible substrate, a carriage coupled to the flexible substrate, an actuator, at least one recoater supported by the carriage, and an energy source. The flexible substrate can be configured to carry a precursor material. The carriage can vertically displace an active region of the flexible substrate away from a remaining region of the flexible substrate and toward a build platform. The actuator can be configured to move the carriage relative to the flexible substrate. The at least one recoater can be configured to apply the precursor material to the flexible substrate. The energy source can be configured to output energy toward the precursor material at the active region of the flexible substrate to form a portion of an object on the build platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Shawn Scott Stromenger, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger
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Publication number: 20240140043Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing of objects are provided. In some embodiments, a device for supporting an object during an additive manufacturing process includes a build platform having a surface, and a plurality of support structures extending above the surface of the build platform. Each support structure can be configured to couple to a portion of an additively manufactured object. The device can also include a plurality of actuators, each actuator being configured to adjust a position of a corresponding support structure relative to the build platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Michael Christopher Cole, Brett E. Kelly, Bastien Pesenti, Masoumeh Pourali, Paul Hassell, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Peter Dorfinger
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Publication number: 20240140065Abstract: Materials and additively manufactured objects including mechanically interlocking elements are provided. In some embodiments, a dental appliance includes an appliance body made at least partially out of a composite material. The composite material can include an interlocking structure having a plurality of interlocking elements. The interlocking structure can have a first mechanical property. The composite material can also include a matrix surrounding at least a portion of the interlocking structure. The matrix can have a second mechanical property different from the first mechanical property.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Umesh Upendra Choudhary, Michael Christopher Cole, Crystal Tjhia
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Publication number: 20240123680Abstract: The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable components, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Jennifer CHAVEZ, Michael Christopher COLE
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Publication number: 20240100775Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for additive manufacturing are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes: coupling a plurality of build platforms to a carrier; forming a plurality of 3D objects on the plurality of build platforms using an additive manufacturing process, where each build platform receives at least one 3D object thereon; removing the plurality of build platforms from the carrier; performing post-processing of the plurality of 3D objects while the 3D objects remain on the respective build platforms; and separating the plurality of 3D objects from the respective build platforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Thomas Förster-Romswinckel, Robert Gmeiner, Otmar Martl, Oliver Kesel, Bernhard Busetti, Markus Kury, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger, Shawn Stromenger, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Lance Robert Pickens
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Publication number: 20240090979Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Sriram VENKATASANTHANAM, Ramin HEYDARPOUR, John Y. MORTON, Jun SATO, Michael Christopher COLE, Mehdi MOJDEH, Prashanth VANCHY, Natalia Lysaya POWERS, Sibel NARIN, Jeremy RILEY
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Publication number: 20240084161Abstract: This disclosure provides polymeric materials comprising weak crosslinking covalent bonds and/or weak crosslinking units comprising a weak covalent bond. Weak covalent bonds can be used in place of hydrogen bonds present in traditional polymeric materials (e.g., polyurethanes). Advantageously, the toughness can be controlled by varying the strength of weak covalent bonds and/or by varying the number of weak covalent crosslinks. Crosslinked materials applying the weak covalent crosslinking bonds can be used to create tough materials able to resist stress relaxation. Further, the present disclosure provides polymer chains and polymeric materials comprising inchain loops (also referred to herein as rings). The inchain loops comprise weak bonds and/or weak bridges comprising at least one weak bond.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventor: Michael Christopher COLE
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Publication number: 20240084959Abstract: A bipod support for a drain cleaning machine is described. The bipod support includes a base, a plurality of legs, a retaining member, and a latch. The retaining member and latch are configured to engage and secure the drain cleaning machine to the bipod support. The bipod support enables rocking movement of the drain cleaning machine while supporting the weight of the machine. Also described are related methods of use of the bipod support.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Emily Jo SPINELLI, Kaylin JACOBSEN, Sarah MICHAUD, Jeffrey SZUCS, Alex M. COLE, Michael J. RUTKOWSKI, Nicholas Christopher MAVROS, Jacob SCHNEIDER
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Publication number: 20240051225Abstract: Methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a digital data set representing an object, and applying energy to a curable material based on the digital data set to form the object. The object can include at least two object portions formed from the curable material using different energy application parameters. The method can further include removing residual curable material from the object. A different amount of the residual curable material can be removed from each of the at least two object portions. After the residual curable material is removed, the at least two object portions can each have different material properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Peter Dorfinger, Michael Christopher Cole
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Publication number: 20240051246Abstract: Methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a dental appliance formed using an additive manufacturing process, the dental appliance including a plurality of appliance portions. The method can include identifying, based on sensor data, a location of a subset of the appliance portions on the dental appliance. The method can further include applying energy to a subset of the appliance portions to selectively modify one or more material properties of the subset of the appliance portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Peter Dorfinger, Michael Christopher Cole
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Patent number: 11884758Abstract: Methods for fabricating orthodontic appliances are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a polymerizable composition including a first polymerizable component and a second polymerizable component. The polymerizable composition can be characterized by an initial ratio of the first polymerizable component to the second polymerizable component. The method can include fabricating a portion of the orthodontic appliance from the polymerizable composition by forming a first region of the orthodontic appliance by exposing the polymerizable composition to radiation, the first region including a first ratio of the first polymerizable component to the second polymerizable component. The method can also include forming a second region of the orthodontic appliance, the second region including a second ratio of the first polymerizable component to the second polymerizable component. The initial ratio, the first ratio, and the second ratio can be different.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Michael Christopher Cole
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Patent number: 11851510Abstract: This disclosure provides low-viscosity resins for producing polymers with properties suitable for use in various mechanical appliances, such as orthodontic appliances (e.g., aligners). The low-viscosity resins may be photo-curable and can be used with direct fabrication methods and equipment. In various embodiments, the polymeric materials produced from the low-viscosity resins described herein have high toughness while remaining resistant to stress relaxation. Low-viscosity, photo-curable resins described herein have reduced hydrogen bonding in comparison to traditional materials (e.g., materials having high urethane content) used in orthodontic appliances.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Blaine Carter, Jennifer Chavez, Lance Robert Pickens, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger, Yan Chen
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Publication number: 20230404434Abstract: According to the techniques herein, one or more sensors coupled to an aligner are used to sense one or more physical qualities of the aligner to determine whether the physical qualities indicate that the aligner material has relaxed and has, e.g., reduced the force systems applied to teeth and/or that the teeth movement for the stage has slowed down. The sensors may provide a signal that represents whether or not the physical qualities fall below a threshold value. A treatment plan may be modified if needed. These techniques have the potential to make treatment plans faster and more effective by speeding up some stages while making sure some, perhaps other, stages are implemented only after the teeth are near the appropriate position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Huizhong LI, Andrew JANG, Michael Christopher COLE, Yuxiang WANG, Jun SATO, Allen R. BORONKAY
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Patent number: 11845868Abstract: This disclosure provides polymeric materials comprising weak crosslinking covalent bonds and/or weak crosslinking units comprising a weak covalent bond. Weak covalent bonds can be used in place of hydrogen bonds present in traditional polymeric materials (e.g., polyurethanes). Advantageously, the toughness can be controlled by varying the strength of weak covalent bonds and/or by varying the number of weak covalent crosslinks. Crosslinked materials applying the weak covalent crosslinking bonds can be used to create tough materials able to resist stress relaxation. Further, the present disclosure provides polymer chains and polymeric materials comprising inchain loops (also referred to herein as rings). The inchain loops comprise weak bonds and/or weak bridges comprising at least one weak bond.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Michael Christopher Cole
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Patent number: 11839520Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Sriram Venkatasanthanam, Ramin Heydarpour, John Y. Morton, Jun Sato, Michael Christopher Cole, Mehdi Mojdeh, Prashanth Vanchy, Natalia Lysaya Powers, Sibel Narin, Jeremy Riley
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Publication number: 20230364855Abstract: A method of 3D printing comprises extruding one or more photo-curable materials from a nozzle to form a first layer that has a first shape specified by the one or more digital files, wherein the first shape corresponds to a first minimum line width that is based on, and narrower than, a diameter of the nozzle. The method further includes directing a light beam onto the first layer according to the one or more digital files to cure a portion of the first layer to create a first cured layer, wherein the first cured layer corresponds to a second shape of a first layer of a 3D printed orthodontic aligner, wherein the light beam has a beam diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle, and wherein the second shape has a second minimum line width that is smaller than the first minimum line width.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Mehdi Mojdeh, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger, Shiva P. Sambu
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Patent number: 11779243Abstract: According to the techniques herein, one or more sensors coupled to an aligner are used to sense one or more physical qualities of the aligner to determine whether the physical qualities indicate that the aligner material has relaxed and has, e.g., reduced the force systems applied to teeth and/or that the teeth movement for the stage has slowed down. The sensors may provide a signal that represents whether or not the physical qualities fall below a threshold value. A treatment plan may be modified if needed. These techniques have the potential to make treatment plans faster and more effective by speeding up some stages while making sure some, perhaps other, stages are implemented only after the teeth are near the appropriate position.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Huizhong Li, Andrew Jang, Michael Christopher Cole, Yuxiang Wang, Jun Sato, Allen R. Boronkay
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Publication number: 20230295365Abstract: Provided herein are systems and processes to control multiple temperatures in additive manufacturing. Such temperature control adjusts polymer properties and facilitates processing of materials to form 3D objects. The systems and processed disclosed herein also facilitate the processing of typically difficult-to-process materials and deliver such materials to a photocuring zone configured to photopolymerize materials into 3 dimensional objects with a layer-by-layer process. Such processes can include the steps of heating a resin to a flowable temperature, applying the resin to a carrier, cooling the film to increase viscosity or to solidify the resin, and applying the film containing the resin onto an area being printed, then photocuring the film. Also provided herein are resins and related polymer materials having properties that are tunable with exposure to more than one temperature zone. The formed polymers can include multiple regions of polymer material, each independently having distinct properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Michael Christopher COLE, Peter DORFINGER
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Patent number: 11718019Abstract: A 3D printer comprises a platform, a dispenser and a light source. A heating element heats a material and a nozzle extrudes the heated material onto the platform to form a first layer, having a first shape specified by one or more digital files. The first shape corresponds to a first minimum line width based on a diameter of the nozzle. The light source emits a light beam that is directed onto the first layer according to the one or more digital files to cure a portion of the first layer to create a first cured layer that corresponds to a second shape of a 3D object specified by the one or more digital files. The light beam has a beam diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the nozzle, and the second shape has a second minimum line width that is smaller than the first minimum line width.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mehdi Mojdeh, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger, Shiva P. Sambu
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Patent number: 11661468Abstract: Provided herein are systems and processes to control multiple temperatures in additive manufacturing. Such temperature control adjusts polymer properties and facilitates processing of materials to form 3D objects. The systems and processes disclosed herein also facilitate the processing of typically difficult-to-process materials and deliver such materials to a photocuring zone configured to photopolymerize materials into 3 dimensional objects with a layer-by-layer process. Such processes can include the steps of heating a resin to a flowable temperature, applying the resin to a carrier, cooling the film to increase viscosity or to solidify the resin, and applying the film containing the resin onto an area being printed, then photocuring the film. Also provided herein are resins and related polymer materials having properties that are tunable with exposure to more than one temperature zone. The formed polymers can include multiple regions of polymer material, each independently having distinct properties.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger