Patents by Inventor William J. Nowak
William J. Nowak 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).
-
Patent number: 10875241Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the layer on the platen as the platen moves past the mechanical planer. Additionally, a feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and the mechanical planer. The mechanical planer adjusts the amount of the build material and the support material removed from the layer based on the thickness of the layer on the platen, as determined by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Chu-heng Liu, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10688717Abstract: A 3-D printer includes build and support material development stations that electrostatically transfer build material and support material to an ITB. The ITB transfers a layer of build and support material to a platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the ITB, to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A sensor is positioned to generate a topographic measurement of the layer on the platen, and an aerosol applicator is positioned to propel build and support material on to the layer on the platen. The aerosol applicator controls the build and support material being propelled, based on the topographic measurement from the sensor through a feedback loop, to adjust the amount and location of the build material and the support material propelled on to the layer, and thereby control the flatness of surface topology of the layers in the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20190217535Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing includes forming a plurality of build layers, each of the plurality of build layers formed by transferring a first build material having a first particle size to form a first build material and transferring a second build material on the first build material to form one of the plurality of build layers, a particle size of the second build material is smaller than the first build material and each transfer step is performed by a xerographic engine. Each transfer step is involves transfer to a conveyor which can take the form of a belt or drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville, Robert A. Clark
-
Publication number: 20190210279Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the layer on the platen as the platen moves past the mechanical planer. Additionally, a feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and the mechanical planer. The mechanical planer adjusts the amount of the build material and the support material removed from the layer based on the thickness of the layer on the platen, as determined by the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Chu-heng Liu, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10293547Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the layer on the platen as the platen moves past the mechanical planer. Additionally, a feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and the mechanical planer. The mechanical planer adjusts the amount of the build material and the support material removed from the layer based on the thickness of the layer on the platen, as determined by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Chu-heng Liu, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10245803Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a computer operated cutting and creasing tool configured to move only in an X direction during use, a cutting and creasing platform having an elastically deformable creasing portion configured to support a sheet of media during contact with a creasing tip and a non-deformable cutting portion configured to support the sheet during contact with a cutting blade, and a positioner configured to draw the sheet of media along the cutting and creasing platform during cutting and creasing. Methods of making and using the apparatus also are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert A. Clark, William J. Nowak, William J. Hannaway
-
Patent number: 10183443Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The development station adjusts the development bias of the development device, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20180361661Abstract: A 3-D printer includes build and support material development stations that electrostatically transfer build material and support material to an ITB. The ITB transfers a layer of build and support material to a platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the ITB, to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A sensor is positioned to generate a topographic measurement of the layer on the platen, and an aerosol applicator is positioned to propel build and support material on to the layer on the platen. The aerosol applicator controls the build and support material being propelled, based on the topographic measurement from the sensor through a feedback loop, to adjust the amount and location of the build material and the support material propelled on to the layer, and thereby control the flatness of surface topology of the layers in the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10118337Abstract: A 3-D printer includes build and support material development stations that electrostatically transfer build material and support material to an ITB. The ITB transfers a layer of build and support material to a platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the ITB, to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A sensor is positioned to generate a topographic measurement of the layer on the platen, and an aerosol applicator is positioned to propel build and support material on to the layer on the platen. The aerosol applicator controls the build and support material being propelled, based on the topographic measurement from the sensor through a feedback loop, to adjust the amount and location of the build material and the support material propelled on to the layer, and thereby control the flatness of surface topology of the layers in the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10105923Abstract: A personalized packaging production system includes an in-feed tray, an out-feed tray, a cutting table disposed intermediate the in-feed tray and the out-feed tray and an interchangeable cutting/creasing assembly. A sheet feeder is positioned between the in-feed tray and the cutting table to feed media sheets from the in-feed tray to the cutting table, and an exit nip is positioned between the out-feed tray and the cutting table to remove media sheets from the cutting table to the out-feed tray.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Linn C. Hoover, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Peter J. Knausdorf, Thomas J. Wyble
-
Patent number: 10076869Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. A platen having a flat surface is positioned to contact the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the flat surface of the platen as the platen contacts one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. A dispenser is positioned to deposit a leveling material on the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the leveling material on the layer on the platen to make the top of the leveling material parallel to the flat surface of the platen.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville, William J. Nowak, Michael F. Zona, Robert A. Clark, Jorge A. Alvarez
-
Patent number: 10005228Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The exposure device adjusts the intensity of light exposed on the photoreceptor, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Patent number: 10005230Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The development station adjusts the transfer bias of the development device, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20170368744Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing includes forming a plurality of build layers, each of the plurality of build layers formed by transferring a first build material having a first particle size to form a first build material and transferring a second build material on the first build material to form one of the plurality of build layers, a particle size of the second build material is smaller than the first build material and each transfer step is performed by a xerographic engine. Each transfer step is involves transfer to a conveyor which can take the form of a belt or drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville, Robert A. Clark
-
Publication number: 20170348906Abstract: A 3-D printer includes build and support material development stations that electrostatically transfer build material and support material to an ITB. The ITB transfers a layer of build and support material to a platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the ITB, to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A sensor is positioned to generate a topographic measurement of the layer on the platen, and an aerosol applicator is positioned to propel build and support material on to the layer on the platen. The aerosol applicator controls the build and support material being propelled, based on the topographic measurement from the sensor through a feedback loop, to adjust the amount and location of the build material and the support material propelled on to the layer, and thereby control the flatness of surface topology of the layers in the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: William J. Nowak, Jorge A. Alvarez, Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20170348908Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. A platen having a flat surface is positioned to contact the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to the flat surface of the platen as the platen contacts one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface. A dispenser is positioned to deposit a leveling material on the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the leveling material on the layer on the platen to make the top of the leveling material parallel to the flat surface of the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville, William J. Nowak, Michael F. Zona, Robert A. Clark, Jorge A. Alvarez
-
Publication number: 20170348909Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) printer includes build and support material development stations positioned to transfer layers of build and support materials to an intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the build and support materials to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen, and a mechanical planer is positioned to contact and level the layer on the platen as the platen moves past the mechanical planer. Additionally, a feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and the mechanical planer. The mechanical planer adjusts the amount of the build material and the support material removed from the layer based on the thickness of the layer on the platen, as determined by the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Robert A. Clark, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Chu-heng Liu, Jorge A. Alvarez, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20170326788Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The development station adjusts the development bias of the development device, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20170326805Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The development station adjusts the transfer bias of the development device, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville
-
Publication number: 20170326797Abstract: 3-D printers include an intermediate transfer surface that transfers a layer of material to a platen each time the platen contacts the intermediate transfer surface to successively form a freestanding stack of layers of the material on the platen. A sensor detects the thickness of the layer on the platen after a fusing station fuses the layer. A feedback loop is electrically connected to the sensor and a development station (that includes a photoreceptor, a charging station providing a static charge to the photoreceptor, a laser device exposing the photoreceptor, and a development device supplying the material to the photoreceptor). The exposure device adjusts the intensity of light exposed on the photoreceptor, based on a layer thickness measurement from the sensor through the feedback loop, to control the thickness of subsequent ones of the layers transferred from the intermediate transfer surface to the freestanding stack on the platen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Alvarez, Michael F. Zona, William J. Nowak, Robert A. Clark, Chu-heng Liu, Paul J. McConville