3-d Product Design (e.g., Solid Modeling) Patents (Class 700/98)
  • Patent number: 9349308
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for dynamically applying a single design across a display field composed of visual surfaces of a number of non-adjoined product packages to create an impression of a single, unified aesthetic. Geometries and layouts of product packages are used to calculate a display field. A source image can be mapped to some or all of the display field to generate one or more field maps. Individual package images can be generated from the field maps, according to various factors, including the individual product package geometries and layouts. Some embodiments allow the generated package images to be previewed, the entire display field to be virtually previewed, and/or the package images to be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: JUNIPER BOOKS, LLC
    Inventor: Thatcher Eban Wine
  • Patent number: 9317643
    Abstract: A method for printed circuit board design of temperature sensitive components includes a scrub tool receiving a list of part numbers for electronic components of a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”). The scrub tool sends one or more queries for finding temperature and time limits of the electronic components to a database. A mapping tool receives a selection of one or more part numbers responsive to the one or more queries, wherein the selection is responsive to the temperature and time limits. The mapping tool sends a data structure to a physical design tool which is configured with physical design data for generating a graphic representation of the PCBA. The data structure from the mapping tool provides the received selection of one or more part numbers and configures the physical design tool to highlight components having part numbers of the selection on the PCBA graphic representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell G. Ferrill, Curtis Grosskopf, Matthew S. Kelly, Thomas H. Lewis, Wen Wei Low
  • Patent number: 9295534
    Abstract: A method for automated manufacture of dentures including providing a digital data set of the individual denture to be produced, a digital separation of the model into dental arch and gingival, producing the dental arch from a ceramic or plastic material using cutting technology, producing the denture base through generative or ablative procedures from predominantly (meth-)acrylate-based plastic materials, connecting the dental arch and gingiva through bonding or joining or a combination of bonding and joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Ruppert, Mario Beyer
  • Patent number: 9201998
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a topography simulation apparatus includes a division module configured to divide topography of a substance of a semiconductor device into first to n-th layers, where n is an integer of two or more. The apparatus further includes a flux calculation module configured to calculate, for each of the first to n-th layers, a flux of particles which reach a surface of the substance in each layer. The apparatus further includes a topography calculation module configured to calculate, for each of the first to n-th layers, an amount of change of the topography of the substance in each layer based on the flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hirotaka Tsuda, Masanori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9198627
    Abstract: A method of providing an accurate three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area is disclosed. The arch area has two segments and a connecting area between the two segments. The connecting area has homogeneous features. A connecting-geometry tool with at least one definable feature is affixed to the arch area. The definable feature overlays at least part of the connecting area. The arch area is scanned to produce a scanned dataset of the arch area. The definable feature of the connecting-geometry tool on the connection area is determined based on the scanned dataset. The dimensions of the arch area are determined based on the data relating to the definable features from the scanned dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet 3i
    Inventors: Zachary B. Suttin, Joell Cruz
  • Patent number: 9195782
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-readable media for combining input tools into a composite layout. A method includes receiving a first tool in a content area of a display, and dynamically adjusting a layout that includes first content associated with the first tool based on a location on a grid associated with the content area into which the first tool is received. The method may include receiving additional tools in the content area, dynamically adjusting the layout based on content associated with the additionally received tools and on a location on the grid associated with the content area into which each of the additional tools is received, and linking two or more tools to form linked tools configured to share context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Charles Kerry Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9179988
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for dental prosthesis connector design. Embodiments include providing a computer-based interface for manipulating a connector that connects a first dental restoration component and a second dental restoration component in a dental prosthesis; providing, via a cross-sectional representation of the connector, an acceptability design constraint for the connector, such as whether the connector meets production constraints and/or encompasses the intersection between neighboring teeth; modifying the connector based on operator input; determining whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint; and providing an acceptability indication for the modified connector, wherein said the acceptability indication is determined based at least in part on whether the modified connector is acceptable with respect to the acceptability design constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Biocad Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ion Dumitrescu, David Giasson
  • Patent number: 9164504
    Abstract: A mold machining method for computer numerical control includes steps of establishing a 3D pattern; performing an initial machining process on a mold material by the 3D pattern; calculating a total machining area corresponding to the 3D pattern; dividing the 3D pattern into a plurality of precise machining regions according to the total machining area and a predetermined machining area and enabling a boundary line between every two adjacent precise machining regions to be corresponding to a crest line of the 3D pattern; and performing a precise machining process on each of the precise machining regions and changing a cutting tool at the boundary line between every two adjacent precise machining regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Yen Hung, Chu-Chia Tsai, Ya-Chi Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9152741
    Abstract: There is provided a method of generating a three-dimensional (3D) shape by specifying a boundary between materials, including acquiring numerical data of a boundary line of a two-dimensional (2D) shape in a plane, generating a next 2D shape by moving the 2D shape in a direction intersecting the plane based on numerical data specifying a shape of the boundary and also by copying or deforming the 2D shape, and configuring a solid based on data of a generated 2D shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9141734
    Abstract: A method of refining a mesh includes selecting an existing coarse element having existing nodes and existing indices, inputting a quantity of refined elements to be created along an element edge, and generating a parametric grid on the existing coarse element. The method may further include placing refined nodes at parametric grid locations wherein the refined nodes have subindices linked to the existing indices. The method may additionally include deleting the existing coarse element, and creating refined elements having subindices linked to the existing indices of the existing coarse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregory H. DeVore, Mark L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9098650
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically generating a target simulation model for a defined simulation object, provides artifacts of the simulation object in a data base; extracts the information needed for generating the target simulation model from the artifacts; maps the object elements based on the defined objective into the elements of the target simulation model; and assembles the extracted information and the mapped elements to generate the target simulation model. The artifacts describe the structure, the behavior, and the physics of the object elements with mechatronics simulation tags representing implicit indirect engineering information not extracted automatically by a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Baudisch
  • Patent number: 9098673
    Abstract: Optimum gauges of components in a vehicle side structure that meet minimum roof crush test requirement and side impact crashworthiness analysis (SICE) requirements with minimal mass are identified using a global optimization algorithm. A grouping of iterations, wherein each iteration contains input components of varying thicknesses, is simulated using the roof crush and SICE models. A self adaptive evolution optimization algorithm is used to generate additional groupings of iterations based on intermediate optimum results of a previous grouping. The additional groupings are simulated one or more times to identify a global optimum thickness of components in a vehicle side structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sanjaya Fonseka
  • Patent number: 9089895
    Abstract: A method of catching overflow of a liquid fluid utilized to cast a component is disclosed. Sand is compacted to form a mold. A cutter of a cutting device is in a disengaged position spaced from a top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a first position and the cutter is in an engaged position engaging the top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a second position. The cutter is actuated when the cutting device is in the second position and the cutter is in the engaged position to remove sand from the top surface to define a recess therein to catch overflow of the liquid fluid. The recess is spaced from an opening. At least one blocking mechanism, blowing mechanism and adjustment mechanism is utilized to assist the cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Grede LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Roley
  • Patent number: 9069349
    Abstract: Customization systems and methods are described in relation to performance devices and apparatus using a closed-loop feedback process for exploration, design and improvement of devices including performance devices. Crowdsourced knowledge bases, iterative improvements and centralized statistical, semantical and other technical analyses are employed to modify a baseline design. A baseline model defining modifications to a base device necessary to obtain a master device including modifications calculated to improve performance of the master device over the base device. Manufacturing instructions including CNC code can be produced and used to causes the production machine to manufacture the customized device. A design-to-order system is described as having of a simplified user interface, a queuing system, CAD/CAM capability and a repository of stored baseline models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ShapeLogic LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Richard Pettibone, Carlos Horacio Caballero
  • Publication number: 20150148930
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving structural integrity of 3-D models when printing at varying scales, by use of a cueing model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Naveen Prakash Goel, Mayur Hemani
  • Publication number: 20150148931
    Abstract: A method for generating data for a support structure to be built with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the method comprising generating a convex hull polygon based on a boundary polygon of a layer of the support structure, offsetting the convex hull polygon inward, offsetting the boundary polygon outward, and generating an intersection boundary polygon based at least in part on the offset boundary polygon and the offset convex hull polygon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Erik K. Heide
  • Patent number: 9043007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus that include a novel way of automatically assigning materials to 3D CAD models. A predefined material template specifies that a particular part or material name is assigned to a particular material such that all instances of the particular part name are assigned or modified automatically by the material template. By having a consistent naming convention for the parts in the CAD file, this material assignment can be performed automatically when the CAD file is imported or viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Claus Wann Jensen, Jeffrey McCartney, Thomas Teger, Henrik Wann Jensen
  • Publication number: 20150142153
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and an object development system (ODS) for developing a three-dimensional (3D) object are provided. The ODS receives a 3D image in one or more image formats from one or more sources. The ODS determines object development requirements and a display type of the received 3D image. The ODS creates a support structure based on the object development requirements and the display type. The support structure includes one or more branching elements movably attached to each other and/or a support element for facilitating movement in the 3D object. The ODS fits the received 3D image on the support structure and constructs a multi-layered volumetric 3D image therefrom. The ODS segments the multi-layered volumetric 3D image into multiple 3D printable units. The ODS transmits the 3D printable units to one or more 3D printing devices for printing each 3D printable unit for assembling and developing the 3D object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Publication number: 20150142152
    Abstract: A 3D printer system and related methods. The 3D printer system includes a processor and an accessible memory. The accessible memory includes a CAD kernel and a product file that defines a CAD solid model. The 3D printer system is particularly configured to execute the CAD kernel using the processor, process the product file using the CAD kernel to produce the CAD solid model, and produce a solid physical object corresponding to the CAD solid model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Mohsen Rezayat
  • Publication number: 20150142151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transforming a three dimensional digital model in a space object made of sheet material. The method allows the shape forming elements of the sheet matrix to be permanently or temporarily fixed so that it can be used for circulation copies or unique pieces of the space object in material. The method according to the invention included the object is a three dimensional digital model (1), which is brought in a geometry form (2) comprising the whole three dimensional digital model—the positive (1) and representing its matrix (2), whereby the outer contour of the three dimensional digital model (1), determined by a multitude of points belonging simultaneously to the three dimensional digital model (1) and to the geometry form (2), determines the dividing contour (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Krasimir Chavdarov Todorov
  • Publication number: 20150142150
    Abstract: A prosthetic limb and process to digitally construct a prosthetic limb which includes first, digitally producing a modified mold of a residual limb via 3d scanners and software known to the industry; constructing a test socket from the digitally modified mold and be equipped with an alignable system; for example, a pylon, along with the desired prosthetic foot; accurately scanning the test socket, preferably with a 3D scanner, along with finalized alignment that has been recorded and adjusted by a certified practitioner to provide a 3-D Image of the finalized prosthetic alignment; transferring the finalized digital alignment of the test socket to the finalized digitally modified mold; once the modified model has received the transferred alignment, fabricating the type of hookup in the socket; i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: W. Brian Layman, William Stratford Layman
  • Publication number: 20150142149
    Abstract: A computer system and method are provided for generating a composite-structure fabrication design. During execution of the method on the computer system, a plurality of user interfaces prompt a user to enter generic design criteria as well as specific fabrication rules. Both generic design criteria and specified fabrication rules are considered simultaneously when determining candidates for fabrication designs. An optimization routine applied to the candidates yields an optimum fabrication design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Collier Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Shelton Collier, Phillip Wade Yarrington, John Benjamin Maitin, Ryan Christopher Lucking, James Joseph Ainsworth, III
  • Patent number: 9036919
    Abstract: A composite repair system and method for assisting in the repair of a cured composite part in which a damaged portion has been cut out and removed, exposing a plurality of composite plies and their cut edges, which are then taper sanded to expose a plurality of taper-sanded surfaces and their corresponding ply boundaries. The ply boundaries may be traced by a user with a marking device. The composite repair system may comprise an image capturing device to obtain an image of the traced ply boundaries and a computing device for processing creating a map of the traced ply boundaries based on the image. The map may be used to manufacture filler plies having peripheral edges shaped to correspond with the ply boundaries for replacing the damaged portion of the composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Paul Cork, Darin C. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20150134094
    Abstract: The system of a preferred embodiment uses a process whereby a true replication of the patient's jaw structure is created in a digital three dimensional model. This true replication is then used to precisely locate and/or copy the anatomical landmarks of the patient for use in fabricating a denture base for use in a denture for the individual patient. This system is able to to create a denture with precisely located features corresponding to the anatomical landmarks of the patient with little manual intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Global Dental Science LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Thompson, Scott C. Keating, Andrzej J. Jakson
  • Publication number: 20150134096
    Abstract: Provided is a Layered Object Manufacturing, LOM, system configured to form a coloured three-dimensional (3D) object, the system comprising: a 3D object gamut mapping module configured to define a 3D object formed from a plurality of surfaces and provide a printing regime consistent with the defined 3D object, wherein the 3D object gamut mapping module is configured to analyse the orientation of a surface of each of a plurality of media layers to be printed in order to adaptively modify the colour printed to that layer; and a printer configured to colour print at least a portion of a first surface of each of the plurality of layers in accordance with the printing regime. Also provided is a colour 3D object media layer printing module for providing a print-through region in a 3D object media layer. Also provided is a 3D object gamut mapping method, and ink for use in a Layer Object Manufacturing (LOM) system including the printing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: James Travers, Philip Keenan, Fintan MacCormack, Conor MacCormack
  • Publication number: 20150134095
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for automatically adding utility holes to printable 3D models by accessing a digital representation of a 3D model; accessing specifications that define the geometry of a utility hole to be included with the 3D model; performing a heuristic evaluation of the digital representation of the 3D model to determine one of one or more possible placements of the utility hole to be included with the 3D model as a placement for the utility hole; modifying the digital representation of the 3D model so as to include the utility hole at the placement; and providing a modified digital representation of the 3D model for printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Mayur Hemani, Naveen Prakash Goel, Abhishek Kumar
  • Patent number: 9030475
    Abstract: A method for computer-aided design of a modeled object having several faces, comprising a steps of identifying, for each of said faces of the object, at least another of said faces related to said face according to geometrical criteria, and marking such faces as connected; computing a plurality of points forming a tessellated representation of each of said faces; based on this tessellation, defining critical regions by determining and storing data representative of intersection between a three-dimensional geometrical figure and the face related to said face; determining whether intersections occur for each point of the tessellated representation of a face and for each face of the object; computing frontiers between points according to their respectively stored data and determines zones according to the determined frontiers; and, re-computing surfaces according to the determined zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes
    Inventors: Joran Maille, Remy Rorato
  • Patent number: 9031680
    Abstract: A system and methods for solid freeform fabrication of an object is disclosed. The system comprises a solid freeform fabrication apparatus having a plurality of dispensing heads, a building material supply apparatus configured to supply a plurality of building materials to the fabrication apparatus, and a control unit configured for controlling the fabrication apparatus and the supply apparatus based on an operation mode selected from a plurality of predetermined operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Stratasys Ltd.
    Inventor: Eduardo Napadensky
  • Publication number: 20150127130
    Abstract: A modular industrial robotics (MIR) connector object module has a graphical image property for a 3D solid model program. It also includes a component identifier property configured to identify a component in the 3D solid model program and an abstract data type property having a coordinate transform matrix describing a 3D position and orientation of the MIR connector object module relative to a coordinate system of the component in the 3D solid model program. The MIR connector object module is configured to be attachable to one of multiple components in the 3D solid model program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Geoffrey E. Olson
  • Publication number: 20150127132
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system and a method for generating custom-fit eyewear frame geometry that can be used for custom-fit eyewear frame modeling, fabrication and printing. The custom-fit eyewear frame geometry is obtained using a basic eyewear frame geometry template having predefined measurements. The predefined measurements of the basic frame geometry template is modified based on multi-dimensional scanned data of user's head and one or more landmarks of the scanned data in order to obtain the custom-fit eyewear frame geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: WEST COAST VISION LABS INC.
    Inventors: Omondi Nyong'o, Nisim Levy, Jason Arnold Villanueva Cuenco, Alon Konchitsky
  • Publication number: 20150127131
    Abstract: One variation of a method for implementing design-for-manufacturing checks during construction of a virtual model of a real part includes: in response to insertion of a virtual feature into the virtual model, estimating a minimum stock geometry for the real part based on the virtual feature; selecting a first material stock cross-section from a set of available material stock cross-sections of a material designated for the real part based on the minimum stock geometry; at a first time, prompting a user to adjust a dimension of the virtual feature to enable production of the real part with a second material stock cross-section in the set of material stock cross-sections, less than the first material stock cross-section; at a second time succeeding the first time, submitting, to a manufacturing facility and over a computer network, an order for production of a unit of the real part according to the virtual model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Herrman, Nicholas J. Pinkston
  • Patent number: 9026238
    Abstract: In general the invention is directed to computer implemented systems and methods for assessing the size of a dental restoration blank. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising dental CAD application code which implements the following procedures: generating in a computer memory a three dimensional digital rendering of a dental restoration; generating in the computer a digital rendering of a blank volume, the blank volume corresponding in dimensions to the usable volume of a blank that is available for milling, and the blank volume having a boundary corresponding to its edges; calculating areas of the dental restoration which are beyond the boundary; and providing the calculated areas to a calling function, user, user interface, or module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Kraemer, Guenter Hertlein
  • Patent number: 9022770
    Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: MakerBot Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel B. Pettis
  • Publication number: 20150115161
    Abstract: The invention is an imaging apparatus comprising a detector device (12) for determining points of incidence of photons and having an impact surface (13), and an aperture (16) suitable for projecting the photons to the detector device (12) having an inlet surface (17) and an outlet surface facing the impact surface (13), and comprising pinholes (18?, 18?, 22) connecting the inlet surface (17) and the outlet surface. The pinholes (18?, 18?, 22) comprise one or more central pinholes (18?, 22) and one or more peripheral pinholes (18?), and at least one central pinhole (18?, 22) and at least one peripheral pinhole (18?) are formed with focal opening (20?, 20?, 23) depth or focal opening (20?, 20?, 23) sizes different from each other. Furthermore, the invention is an aperture for the imaging apparatus and a method of manufacturing an aperture of an imaging apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Mediso Orvosi Berendezes Fejleszto es Szerviz Kft.
    Inventors: Istvan Bagamery, Adam Billing, Tamas Bukki, Ferenc Kovacs, Zoltan Nyitrai, Andras Wirth
  • Publication number: 20150120031
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass methods and devices for designing patient specific prosthetic cutting jigs and, more specifically, to devices and methods for segmenting bone of the knee and the resulting cutting guides themselves. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing customized surgical devices, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods of arthroplasty cutting guides, systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of knee joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Mohamed Rashwan Mahfouz
  • Publication number: 20150120032
    Abstract: In a production accuracy verification method to verify a production program installed in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, wherein the production program is used to produce a product, coordinates of points on an ideal processing path of the production program are obtained to fit a first curve. A CAD model of the product is obtained, and outlines of the product are extracted in the CAD model. A normal vector of each of the outlines is computed and to be adjusted, making the normal vectors of the outlines pointing to a same direction. First distances between points in the first curve and corresponding points in the second curve are computed, and whether the production program is accurate can be determined by comparing whether each of the first distances is within a first predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, PENG XIE
  • Publication number: 20150112468
    Abstract: A system is provided that is configured to receive a manufacturing process plan for a product including a plurality of component parts joined by fasteners, with the manufacturing process plan including process definitions that describe process operations in which component parts are worked to manufacture of the product. The system is configured to generate graphical views for respective process operations of the manufacturing process plan in which fastener locations are worked for installation of respective fasteners to join component parts of the product, and output the graphical views. The graphical view of a process operation may graphically depict one or more component parts and only those of the fastener locations on the one or more component parts worked during the process operation, with any others of the fastener locations on the same or other component parts being hidden from the graphical view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Fredrick C. Rudnick, III, Christopher L. Carpenter, Anthony J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20150112443
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing an implantable bone augment arranged to at least partially fit in a bone defect in a bone of a patient, wherein the method comprises the steps of: —providing a three-dimensional model of at least a part of the bone of the patient comprising the bone defect; —designing the shape and size of an augment based on the three-dimensional model, wherein a bone contacting surface of the augment is formed complementary to a corresponding outer surface of the bone, in particular a surface of the bone defect; —designing the body of the augment having the designed shape and size and having a porous microstructure, wherein the step of designing further comprises providing reinforcements in said body based on predicted loading conditions of the implanted augment, and; —manufacturing the designed augment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Mobelife N.V.
    Inventor: Frederik Gelaude
  • Publication number: 20150112349
    Abstract: A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an instrument toward a bone for implantation of a prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a body portion having a guide element, and a patient-specific portion having at least one patient-specific mating feature that is configured to engage a soft tissue at or near the bone. A method of manufacturing a guide tool for guiding an instrument toward a bone is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan J. SCHOENEFELD
  • Patent number: 9011616
    Abstract: The shape of a laminated composite structure is optimized using finite element analysis. The optimized shape minimizes the weight of the structure while satisfying minimum strength and stiffness requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ethan W. Hunter, Thomas J. Falasco, Kurt M. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20150105890
    Abstract: A method of rendering a machine state, a method of generating and rendering a work-piece cut path, and a CNC machines system are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Other Machine Company
    Inventors: Michael Stochosky, Forrest Green, Thomas Cauchois, Sarah Tappon
  • Publication number: 20150105891
    Abstract: A bioassembly system having a tissue/object modeling software component fully and seamlessly integrated with a robotic bioassembly workstation component for the computer-assisted design, fabrication and assembly of biological and non-biological constructs. The robotic bioassembly workstation includes a six-axis robot providing the capability for oblique-angle printing, printing by non-sequential planar layering, and printing on print substrates having variable surface topographies, enabling fabrication of more complex bio-constructs including tissues, organs and vascular trees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: ADVANCED SOLUTIONS LIFE SCIENCES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Golway, Justin C. Palmer, Jeffrey Kyle Eli, Joshua D. Bartlett, Ellsworth H. Collins
  • Publication number: 20150101899
    Abstract: Custom fitting protective athletic equipment composed of larger compressive chambers to generally surround a body part as well a plurality of smaller compressive chambers, which can be shaped to absorb rotational impact forces, outside the larger compressive chambers. A hard or yielding shell positioned either outside the chambers or between them can provide additional impact dampening and protection. Both the larger and smaller compressible chambers preferably contain compressible fluid, such as air, another gas, gel or liquid. Valves are preferably provided in the chambers so that the fluid can be controlled when an impact is received. A method is also disclosed to use three-dimensional scanning techniques and three-dimensional 3D printer manufacturing techniques to produce the protective athletic equipment of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: ROUSSEAU RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Russo
  • Publication number: 20150105892
    Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: STEVE TOWNSEND, MICHAEL DAVID LUCAS
  • Publication number: 20150105889
    Abstract: A cloud 3D model construction system and a related method thereof are provided. 3D object data of a physical object are transmitted in real time to a cloud 3D model platform. The cloud 3D model platform constructs a 3D model in construction based on the 3D object data. The 3D model in construction is updated to be constructed continuously, in order for a 3D model corresponding to the physical object to be created. A plane image of the 3D model in construction is sent to a user apparatus in real time, allowing the user apparatus to view the plane image of the 3D model in construction. The cloud 3D model construction system and method enable real-time viewing of the process of the 3D model construction, and allow the 3D model to be combined with other 3D techniques to create various practical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Shiann-Tsong Tsai
  • Patent number: 9008813
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stamped part, such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, includes the steps of: providing an original model of the bipolar plate; and performing a compensation process on the original model, the compensation process including a two step morphing process based upon a prediction of spring back. The two step morphing process provides a compensated model of the stamped part. A compensated die face may be created based on the compensated model of the stamped part. The stamped part manufactured with the compensated die face has spring back compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Siguang Xu, Paul A. LeBlanc, Steven J. Spencer, Gerald W. Fly
  • Publication number: 20150100145
    Abstract: This invention is a method for automating the generation of manufacturing patterns for apparel and accessories directly from designs created on a 3-dimensional (3D) model. This differs from existing models in which users design “2D slices” of a 3D image created at various pre-defined angles. This invention includes the steps of: 1) Making the UV map of the 3D model exactly match the manufacturing pattern in shape and scale; 2) Positioning the various components in the UV map to facilitate the desired image or text flow; and 3) Using a UV unwrap method to produce the manufacturing patterns with the exact art and text on each component. Images and text are thereby allowed to span across seams and be accurately manufactured. Automation of this process ensures that the images and text on the manufacturing patterns are the exact same as that which the user designed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Balamurugan Selvarajan
  • Patent number: 9002497
    Abstract: Methods and systems for inspection of wafers and reticles using designer intent data are provided. One computer-implemented method includes identifying nuisance defects on a wafer based on inspection data produced by inspection of a reticle, which is used to form a pattern on the wafer prior to inspection of the wafer. Another computer-implemented method includes detecting defects on a wafer by analyzing data generated by inspection of the wafer in combination with data representative of a reticle, which includes designations identifying different types of portions of the reticle. An additional computer-implemented method includes determining a property of a manufacturing process used to process a wafer based on defects that alter a characteristic of a device formed on the wafer. Further computer-implemented methods include altering or simulating one or more characteristics of a design of an integrated circuit based on data generated by inspection of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: William Volk, James Wiley, Sterling Watson, Sagar A. Kekare, Carl Hess, Paul Frank Marella, Sharon McCauley, Ellis Chang
  • Publication number: 20150094837
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a moldless three-dimensional printing method and apparatus for applying the method. The method comprises intermittently feeding a continuous sheet material into a build chamber, and maintaining a determined tension of the continuous sheet material. The method comprises ablating predetermined areas corresponding to internal part features of a layer of a manufactured object in a section of the sheet material. The method comprises positioning the section of the sheet material on top of a previous section of the sheet material. The method comprises bonding the section of sheet material to the previous section of the sheet material. The bonding includes applying a determined pressure and at least one determined temperature. The method comprises ablating external contours of the bonded section of the sheet material. The method further comprises controlling an ablation temperature, the determined pressure and the at least one determined temperature of the bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Navi Cohen, John-Philip Venturi
  • Publication number: 20150094838
    Abstract: An artifact for radiation therapy is produced by accessing image data comprising images including a target volume inside a patient. A design for the artifact is generated based on the image data. The design is customized to a radiation therapy treatment plan for the patient. A printing plan is generated based on the design. A three-dimensional printer is controlled using the printing plan to build an object that corresponds to the design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Ronan MAC LAVERTY