Patents Assigned to SHAPEWAYS, INC.
  • Patent number: 11618185
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects is provided. The method includes generating a plan for printing a plurality of 3D objects in a 3D printing medium at least in part by identifying an unprinted area of the 3D printing medium for insertion of a cooling device and determining where at least some of the plurality of 3D objects are to be printed in the 3D printing medium such that none of the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects, when printed, intersect the identified unprinted area for the insertion of the cooling device. The method further includes printing, using a 3D printer, the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the plan and, after the printing, inserting the cooling device into the unprinted area of the 3D printing medium and cooling the 3D printing medium using the cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: William Carter Davis
  • Patent number: 11221740
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20210370607
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a system for identifying a printed object is provided. The system may include an imaging device configured to image a three-dimensional (3D) printed object and a processor coupled to the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive information generated as a result of imaging the 3D printed object with the imaging device, identify a set of features for the 3D printed object using the received information, compare the set of features with multiple reference sets of features, each of the multiple reference sets of features being associated with a respective 3D object in a plurality of 3D objects, and identify, based at least in part on results of the comparison, a 3D object from the plurality of 3D objects that matches the 3D printed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Daphne Marlies Laméris, Jop Antonius Van Rooij, Thomas de Wolf, Laurus Augustinus Hilte, Tiago André Costa São José, Sebastien Boutard, Elena Korina Koutsiota, Jelmer Johan Siekmans, Maarten van Dijk, Matthew Philip Boyle, Zachary Hansen Dillon, Edward Kurt Summers, Bram van Zandvoort, Fábio Martins Moreira, Lucia Henriëtta Petronella Leenders, Jules Witte, Hans Louis Robert Lambermont, Stefan Rink, Daniël Gerrit Mulder
  • Patent number: 11040491
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a system for identifying a printed object is provided. The system may include an imaging device configured to image a three-dimensional (3D) printed object and a processor coupled to the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive information generated as a result of imaging the 3D printed object with the imaging device, identify a set of features for the 3D printed object using the received information, compare the set of features with multiple reference sets of features, each of the multiple reference sets of features being associated with a respective 3D object in a plurality of 3D objects, and identify, based at least in part on results of the comparison, a 3D object from the plurality of 3D objects that matches the 3D printed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Daphne Marlies Laméris, Jop Antonius Van Rooij, Thomas de Wolf, Laurus Augustinus Hilte, Tiago André Costa São José, Sebastien Boutard, Elena Korina Koutsiota, Jelmer Johan Siekmans, Maarten van Dijk, Matthew Philip Boyle, Zachary Hansen Dillon, Edward Kurt Summers, Bram van Zandvoort, Fábio Martins Moreira, Lucia Henriëtta Petronella Leenders, Jules Witte, Hans Louis Robert Lambermont, Stefan Rink, Daniël Gerrit Mulder
  • Patent number: 10754515
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20200215763
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects is provided. The method includes generating a plan for printing a plurality of 3D objects in a 3D printing medium at least in part by identifying an unprinted area of the 3D printing medium for insertion of a cooling device and determining where at least some of the plurality of 3D objects are to be printed in the 3D printing medium such that none of the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects, when printed, intersect the identified unprinted area for the insertion of the cooling device. The method further includes printing, using a 3D printer, the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the plan and, after the printing, inserting the cooling device into the unprinted area of the 3D printing medium and cooling the 3D printing medium using the cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: William Carter Davis
  • Patent number: 10647060
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects is provided. The method includes generating a plan for printing a plurality of 3D objects in a 3D printing medium at least in part by identifying an unprinted area of the 3D printing medium for insertion of a cooling device and determining where at least some of the plurality of 3D objects are to be printed in the 3D printing medium such that none of the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects, when printed, intersect the identified unprinted area for the insertion of the cooling device. The method further includes printing, using a 3D printer, the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the plan and, after the printing, inserting the cooling device into the unprinted area of the 3D printing medium and cooling the 3D printing medium using the cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: William Carter Davis
  • Patent number: 10442137
    Abstract: A system for planning printing of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The system comprises at least one computer hardware processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one computer hardware processor, cause the at least one computer hardware processor to perform acts of: accessing information specifying a plurality of 3D objects to be printed using at least one 3D printer, the at least one 3D printer including a first 3D printer; determining a priority for each of at least some of the plurality 3D objects to obtain determined 3D object priorities; assigning, based on the determined 3D object priorities, a subset of the plurality of 3D objects to a first printer tray adapted for use with the first 3D printer; and obtaining a packing plan indicating an arrangement of the subset of the 3D objects within the first printer tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Yaw, Stefan Rink, Robert Capo, Jacob Sonk, Paul Hortiatis, Martin Delgado-Gambini, Barry Schepers, Tiago André Costa São José, Zachary Hansen, Maarten van Dijk
  • Patent number: 10377061
    Abstract: A system for post-print processing of 3D printed parts includes an automated breakout system for separating 3D printed parts from printing media in a tray and a vibratory media cleaning system for removing printing media from the 3D printed parts. The automated breakout system includes a tray input mechanism, a bed including a first end disposed adjacent the tray input mechanism, the bed including one or more passageways configured to pass printing media through the bed, a vibration generator coupled to the bed and configured to vibrate the bed, and a part terminator disposed adjacent a second end of the bed. The vibratory media cleaning system include a vibratory bin, a vibration generator coupled to the vibratory bin and configured to vibrate the vibratory bin, an automated parts loader configured to introduce 3D printed parts to be cleaned into the bin, and an automated parts removal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Wolfgang, Zoe Kathleen Logan, Charles Lord, Raheel Valiani, Hugo Ploegmakers
  • Publication number: 20180260088
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180261037
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180260089
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways,Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180260575
    Abstract: As three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing becomes a way for individuals and companies to distribute physical goods, there is a growing need for creators of physical goods to enable customers to customize 3D printed objects while protecting core electronic assets in the form of the files used to define and print the objects. Server-side rendering of 3D object images provides an opportunity to protect 3D object files while offering performance advantages. A scripting language may be central to delivering a seamless user experience interacting with 3D object models on client devices. Object creators and vendors may rely on the scripting language to create user interfaces for selling customizable objects. And once the user interface is developed, it may provide the basis for users accessing, viewing, manipulating, selecting materials, rendering, pricing, and printing a range of 3D objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180126654
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a 3D printing system comprising an interface, a database, a production planning system configured to receive a model provided by a user, and a multi-part counting system configured to receive, from the production planning system, the user-provided model, calculate a bounds of the user-provided model, perform a first test on each of the plurality of pieces of the model to determine if each piece can escape the bounds of the model individually in relation to each other piece of the model, perform a second test on each of the plurality of pieces of the model to determine if each piece can escape the bounds of the model simultaneously in relation to all other pieces of the model, and output, based on the first test and the second test, a determination of different discrete and interlocking parts in the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20180104898
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a system for identifying a printed object is provided. The system may include an imaging device configured to image a three-dimensional (3D) printed object and a processor coupled to the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive information generated as a result of imaging the 3D printed object with the imaging device, identify a set of features for the 3D printed object using the received information, compare the set of features with multiple reference sets of features, each of the multiple reference sets of features being associated with a respective 3D object in a plurality of 3D objects, and identify, based at least in part on results of the comparison, a 3D object from the plurality of 3D objects that matches the 3D printed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Daphne Marlies Laméris, Jop Antonius Van Rooij, Thomas de Wolf, Laurus Augustinus Hilte, Tiago André Costa São José, Sebastien Boutard, Elena Korina Koutsiota, Jelmer Johan Siekmans, Maarten van Dijk, Matthew Philip Boyle, Zachary Hansen Dillon, Edward Kurt Summers, Bram van Zandvoort, Fábio Martins Moreira, Lucia Henriëtta Petronella Leenders, Jules Witte, Hans Louis Robert Lambermont, Stefan Rink, Daniël Gerrit Mulder
  • Publication number: 20180093417
    Abstract: A system for planning printing of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The system comprises at least one computer hardware processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one computer hardware processor, cause the at least one computer hardware processor to perform acts of: accessing information specifying a plurality of 3D objects to be printed using at least one 3D printer, the at least one 3D printer including a first 3D printer; determining a priority for each of at least some of the plurality 3D objects to obtain determined 3D object priorities; assigning, based on the determined 3D object priorities, a subset of the plurality of 3D objects to a first printer tray adapted for use with the first 3D printer; and obtaining a packing plan indicating an arrangement of the subset of the 3D objects within the first printer tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Yaw, Stefan Rink, Robert Capo, Jacob Sonk, Paul Hortiatis, Martin Delgado-Gambini, Barry Schepers, Tiago André Costa São José, Zachary Hansen Dillon, Maarten van Dijk
  • Patent number: 9895846
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a 3D printing system comprising an interface, a database, a production planning system configured to receive a model provided by a user, and a multi-part counting system configured to receive, from the production planning system, the user-provided model, calculate a bounds of the user-provided model, perform a first test on each of the plurality of pieces of the model to determine if each piece can escape the bounds of the model individually in relation to each other piece of the model, perform a second test on each of the plurality of pieces of the model to determine if each piece can escape the bounds of the model simultaneously in relation to all other pieces of the model, and output, based on the first test and the second test, a determination of different discrete and interlocking parts in the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hudson
  • Patent number: 9821519
    Abstract: Methods and systems for weight-based identification of three dimensional (3D) printed parts. Various embodiments disclosed herein may permit reliable processing of 3D printed parts to effectively scale a 3D printing service to large volumes of orders for 3D printed parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Shapeways, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Schouwenburg
  • Patent number: 9245061
    Abstract: Methods and systems for weight-based identification of three dimensional (3D) printed parts. Various embodiments disclosed herein may permit reliable processing of 3D printed parts to effectively scale a 3D printing service to large volumes of orders for 3D printed parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHAPEWAYS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert D. Schouwenburg
  • Publication number: 20150266157
    Abstract: A system for post-print processing of 3D printed parts includes an automated breakout system for separating 3D printed parts from printing media in a tray and a vibratory media cleaning system for removing printing media from the 3D printed parts. The automated breakout system includes a tray input mechanism, a bed including a first end disposed adjacent the tray input mechanism, the bed including one or more passageways configured to pass printing media through the bed, a vibration generator coupled to the bed and configured to vibrate the bed, and a part terminator disposed adjacent a second end of the bed. The vibratory media cleaning system include a vibratory bin, a vibration generator coupled to the vibratory bin and configured to vibrate the vibratory bin, an automated parts loader configured to introduce 3D printed parts to be cleaned into the bin, and an automated parts removal mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: SHAPEWAYS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward K. Summers, Jelmer Johan Siekmans, Raheel Valiani, Hugo Ploegmakers