Patents Assigned to 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8703037
    Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing sub-pixel shifting in multiple exposures of the digitally light projected image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object on a solidifiable liquid medium. The multiple exposures provide increased resolution, preserving image features in a three-dimensional object and smoothing out rough or uneven edges that would otherwise be occur using digital light projectors that are limited by the number of pixels in an image projected over the size of the image. Algorithms are used to select pixels to be illuminated within the boundary of each image projected in the cross-section being exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Jouni P. Partanen, Charles R. Sperry, Patrick Dunne, Suzanne M. Scott, Dennis F. McNamara, Chris R. Manners
  • Publication number: 20140100825
    Abstract: A computer provides a graphical user interface that allows designers to design string instruments. The dimensions and shape of the string instrument design can be altered using controls. The wind instrument design can be stored in a database and transmitted to a 3 dimensional printer which can fabricate the string instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Summit
  • Publication number: 20140084517
    Abstract: There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Martin Alan Johnson, Richard Ora Gregory, II
  • Publication number: 20140081190
    Abstract: A custom device and method for fabricating the custom device includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom device. The custom device can be fabricated as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner
  • Publication number: 20140076499
    Abstract: There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140072712
    Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three dimensional printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink for use in a three dimensional printing system comprises about 10-95 weight % polymerizable component and about 3-25 weight % non-reactive wax component, wherein the ink when cured has a Tg greater than the melting point of the non-reactive wax component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pingyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140065378
    Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink comprises a polymerizable material and a reactive wax comprising a saturated alkyl moiety bonded to an ethyleneically unsaturated moiety through a urethane, urea, ester, or carbonate ester linkage, wherein the ink is free or substantially free of non-reactive wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pingyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140052039
    Abstract: A spiral brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The spiral brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the spiral brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner
  • Patent number: 8642692
    Abstract: There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the of can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140027950
    Abstract: There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140017460
    Abstract: In one aspect, build materials operable for use in 3D printing systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a build material comprises about 10 to 30 percent by weight of an oligomeric curable material; about 50 to 75 percent by weight of at least one diluent; and about 3 to 15 percent by weight of a reactive component. Moreover, in some cases, the build material is free or substantially free of a non-reactive wax component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pingyong Xu, John Stockwell
  • Patent number: 8613716
    Abstract: A custom device and method for fabricating the custom device includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom device. The custom device can be fabricated as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B Trauner
  • Publication number: 20130310507
    Abstract: In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Praveen Tummala, Peter Scott Turner, Martin Alan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130307193
    Abstract: There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Alan Johnson, Chris Roberts Manners, Andrew Edwards
  • Patent number: 8576222
    Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua E. Handley, Marc Midura, Bradley A. Payne, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas Harold Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
  • Patent number: 8573958
    Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus and an exposure system for a stereolithography apparatus, wherein light emitting diodes are used as light sources. The invention relates to aligning light from the light emitting diode and to the exchange and control of the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ole Hangaard, Niels Holm Larsen, Emilie Pougeoise, Jèrôme Grelin
  • Patent number: 8575258
    Abstract: There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
  • Patent number: 8568646
    Abstract: There is provided methods and apparatus for compensation of intensity profiles of imagers used in three-dimensional modelers. The intensity profile of the actinic radiation projected from the imager is determined by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to manually operated sensors, exposed and scanned actinic radiation-sensitive paper, and intensity profilers. Once the intensity profile of the imager is determined, each layer of the solidifiable liquid material is cured by projecting a plurality of patterns (as opposed to a single pattern) defining the two-dimensional cross-section of the part being cured. The patterns vary in duration, number, and/or shape to correlate to the intensity profile so that a single layer of selectively cured solidifiable liquid material is cured with a substantially equivalent (or otherwise controlled) amount of actinic radiation per unit of surface area to provide generally controlled and consistent part quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongqing V. Wang, Soon-Chun Kuek, Charles W. Hull, Richard Ora Gregory, II, Thomas Alan Kerekes
  • Patent number: 8569398
    Abstract: A fully curable jettable composition having a viscosity less than 30 cps at a temperature within the range of 15° C.-180° C. comprising (i) at least one low viscosity reactive resin; (ii) at least one higher viscosity resin having a viscosity greater than twice that of the low viscosity resin and a functionality of greater than or equal to 2; (iii) at least one curable toughener, (iv) at least one initiator for the polymerization of the resins, and (v) at least one stabilizer for delaying the curing of the resins of the composition. The composition can be jetted from piezo electric printing heads under the control of a computer program to form a multi-layered article, for example, a three dimensional article, in which the adjacent droplets merge and are cured homogeneously together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjana C. Patel, Yong Zhao, Richard John Peace
  • Publication number: 20130247946
    Abstract: A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner