Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can include a housing that has a port that permits insertion of a strand of material into the housing. The strand can be moved through the housing toward a nozzle assembly configured to permit the strand to be extruded out of the 3D drawing pen in a form that retains its shape against gravity in free space to draw a 3D object.

Abstract: A drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and include a loading mechanism that supports or drives material toward a nozzle assembly of the device. The nozzle assembly has an exit nozzle from which material can be extruded. The drawing device can be configured to receive a cartridge assembly that can be coupled to the housing and be advancement mechanism and/or an automatic retraction mechanism, and allow for multiple operations, including the readying of additional material to be performed using a streamlined, synergistic activation of components, and facilitate disassembly and cleaning.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can include a housing that has a port that permits insertion of a strand of material into the housing, an actuator for controlling a movement of the strand, and a nozzle assembly configured to permit the strand to be extruded out of the 3D drawing pen in a form that retains its shape against gravity in free space to draw a 3D object.

Abstract: An apparatus including a three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can permit a user to draw in free space to form a 3D object. The 3D drawing pen can include a housing, an actuator, and a nozzle assembly. The housing is configured to receive material therein and fit in a user's hand. The actuator is coupled to the housing and is configured to control a movement of the material. The nozzle assembly is configured to permit the material to be extruded to permit the user to form the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and configured to accept a strand of thermoplastic material. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. The motor can be controlled using a variable speed control mechanism or first and second actuators, thereby controlling movement of the strand, for example, to advance or retract the strand relative to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An extrusion device can include a driver operatively coupled with a motor such that the driver is rotated about an axis by operation of the motor. The driver can have a passage positioned such that the axis extends through the passage. The driver can have a filament-engaging member positioned in the passage and configured to engage a filament extending through the passage such that rotation of the driver moves the filament relative to the driver. The driver can be positioned such that a first direction of rotation of the driver urges the filament along the axis toward an outlet. A heater can be configured to melt the filament and can be disposed between the driver and the outlet to receive the filament from the driver.

Abstract: A three-dimensional drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and configured to accept a strand of thermoplastic material. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. The motor can be controlled using a variable speed control mechanism or first and second actuators, thereby controlling movement of the strand, for example, to advance or retract the strand relative to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: An extrusion device includes a filament-engaging mechanism that urges a filament, received by the device, through a heater and a nozzle. A moveable control member can be manipulated by a user during operation of the device to alter a rate of extrusion. The extrusion device can have a continuous flow mode of operation. The extrusion device can be configured to operate with low electrical power consumption.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: Body-carried or worn, mechanically remotely-controlled novelty devices include one or more articulated members, each in the shape of a whimsical or anatomical feature, that may be covertly actuated by bending a digit, writs, etc. of a human wearer. The articulated member(s) may be attached to a headband, belt, slipper, shoulder strap or the like. A hinged, pivoted or bendable portion of each articulated member may be coupled by a Bowden cable extending down the user's sleeve to an actuator, such as a ring, lever or key, proximate the user's hand. Actuator levers may be installed in slippers, or the like, and coupled to articulated members having shapes, such as mouths or extended toe portions of the slippers, to animate the articulated members. In elaborate embodiments, each finger or toe may actuate a different portion of an articulated member or a distinct articulated member.