Patents Assigned to 3D Systems, Inc.
-
Patent number: 8703037Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: 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: 20140100825Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Scott Summit
-
Publication number: 20140084517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Martin Alan Johnson, Richard Ora Gregory, II
-
Publication number: 20140081190Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner
-
Publication number: 20140076499Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140072712Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Pingyong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140065378Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Pingyong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140052039Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner
-
Patent number: 8642692Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140027950Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140017460Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Pingyong Xu, John Stockwell
-
Patent number: 8613716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B Trauner
-
Publication number: 20130310507Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Praveen Tummala, Peter Scott Turner, Martin Alan Johnson
-
Publication number: 20130307193Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Martin Alan Johnson, Chris Roberts Manners, Andrew Edwards
-
Patent number: 8576222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joshua E. Handley, Marc Midura, Bradley A. Payne, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas Harold Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
-
Patent number: 8573958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ole Hangaard, Niels Holm Larsen, Emilie Pougeoise, Jèrôme Grelin
-
Patent number: 8575258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu
-
Patent number: 8568646Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hongqing V. Wang, Soon-Chun Kuek, Charles W. Hull, Richard Ora Gregory, II, Thomas Alan Kerekes
-
Patent number: 8569398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ranjana C. Patel, Yong Zhao, Richard John Peace
-
Publication number: 20130247946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B. Trauner