Patents Assigned to Z Corporation
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Patent number: 7550518Abstract: A three-dimensional printing materials system and method can produce both appearance models and small numbers of functional parts in an office environment. The method can include building cross-sectional portions of a three-dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas can be built by using an ink-jet printhead to deliver an aqueous solvent or binder to an adhesive particulate mixture, causing the particles of the mixture to adhere together, and to previous cross-sectional areas. The binder can include at least one of nonaqueous organic monomeric compound, anionically ionizable polymer, cationic polymer, polymer, waterborne colloid, or inorganic solute.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: James F. Bredt, Sarah L. Clark, Evert F. Uy, Matthew J. DiCologero, Timothy Anderson, Michael Tarkanian, Derek X. Williams
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Publication number: 20090011066Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Thomas Davidson, Robert A. Phillips, Andres T. Hernandez, David B. Russell, Kevin Roche, Walter H. Zengerle, III, Andrew Berlin, Joshua P. Kinsley, Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block, Darul Kisai
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Publication number: 20080281019Abstract: aterials system, kit, and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The kit includes (i) a substantially dry particulate material including an aqueous-insoluble thermoplastic particulate material, plaster, and a water-soluble adhesive; (ii) an aqueous fluid binder, and (iii) an infiltrant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Eugene Giller, Derek X. Williams
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Publication number: 20080252682Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Andres Tomas Hernandez, Andrew A. Berlin, Benjamin D. Sweet-Block, Joshua P. Kinsley, Dmitriy Katalichenko, Chris Korda, Walter H. Zengerle, David B. Russell
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Patent number: 7435368Abstract: A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: Thomas Davidson, Robert A. Phillips, Andres T. Hernandes, David B. Russell, Kevin Roche, Walter H. Zengerle, III, Andrew Berlin, Joshua P. Kinsley, Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block, Darul Kisai
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Three-Dimensional Printing Material System With Improved Color, Article Performance, and Ease of Use
Publication number: 20080187711Abstract: A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by three dimensional printing. The materials system includes particulate mixtures having a whitening agent and a solid particulate additive comprising an acid, the latter adapted for modifying a cure rate of an infiltrant. The materials system also includes aqueous fluids including optical brightening agents.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Amir Alam, James F. Bredt, Nanette Clark, Mary Flynn, Jean Sprauer, Derek X. Williams -
Patent number: 7387359Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: Andres Tomas Hernandez, Andrew A. Berlin, Benjamin D. Sweet-Block, Joshua P. Kinsley, Dmitriy Katalichenko, Chris Korda, Walter H. Zengerle, III, David B. Russell
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Publication number: 20080138515Abstract: A materials system and methods are provided to enable the formation of articles by Three Dimensional Printing. The materials system includes a transition metal catalyst that facilitates the reaction of an acrylate-containing binder with a particulate material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventor: Derek X. Williams
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Publication number: 20080060330Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Thomas Davidson, Andres Hernandez, Joshua Kinsley, Jennifer Sanchez
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Publication number: 20080047628Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Thomas Davidson, Joshua Kinsley, Diego Torres
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Publication number: 20080042321Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve continuously printing radially about a circular and/or rotating build table using multiple printheads. The apparatus and methods also include optionally using multiple build tables. The auxiliary systems relate to build material supply, printhead cleaning, diagnostics, and monitoring operation of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: David Russell, Andres Hernandez, Joshua Kingsley, Andrew Berlin
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Patent number: 7332537Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3DP™ material composition and method of use. The composition of the present invention includes an adhesive material, a fibrous component and a filler. Alternatively, the composition may include a particulate material having a mean particle size between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, a soluble adhesive material. The compositions may also include an accelerator and an additional adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: James F. Bredt, Timothy C. Anderson, David B. Russell
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Publication number: 20080006958Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventor: Thomas Davidson
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Publication number: 20080006334Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Thomas Davidson, Andres Hernandez, Robert Villegas
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Patent number: 7291002Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve continuously printing radially about a circular and/or rotating build table using multiple printheads. The apparatus and methods also include optionally using multiple build tables. The auxiliary systems relate to build material supply printhead cleaning diagnostics, and monitoring operation of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: David Russell, Andres Hernandez, Joshua Kinsley, Andrew Berlin
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Publication number: 20070241482Abstract: Process, materials, and equipment for producing three-dimensional objects from a particulate material by melting and adhering, for example, by fusion or sintering, portions of the particulate material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: Eugene Giller, James Bredt, Tom Davidson, Derek Williams, Amir Alam, Benjamin Berrington
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Publication number: 20070126157Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing finished articles from a powder-based rapid prototyping system. In particular, the invention relates to extracting a printed article from a powder bed in a build chamber of a three-dimensional printer by using a mechanism adapted for displacing the article by at least one of pushing the article at least partially out of the powder bed, pulling the article at least partially out of the powder bed, or changing a boundary of the build chamber to move at least a portion of the unbound powder away from the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 7, 2007Applicant: Z CorporationInventor: James Bredt
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Publication number: 20060230984Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional printing system and method, and an article made therefrom. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built using an ink-jet printhead to deliver an aqueous fluid to a particle material that includes a first particulate material, a second particulate material, and a third particulate material, wherein the first and second particulate materials react in the presence of the fluid in a period of time, and the third particulate material reacts in the presence of the fluid to form a solid in a longer period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2006Publication date: October 19, 2006Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: James Bredt, Sarah Clark, Grieta Gilchrist
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Publication number: 20060208388Abstract: The present invention is directed to three-dimensional printing material systems and method, and an article made therefrom. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three-dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built by using an ink-jet printhead to deliver a fluid to a particulate material that includes particulate material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Applicant: Z CorporationInventors: James Bredt, Timothy Anderson, David Russell, Sarah Clark, Matthew DiCologero
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Patent number: 7087109Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional printing system and method, and an article made therefrom. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built using an ink-jet printhead to deliver an aqueous fluid to a particle material that includes a first particulate material, a second particulate material, and a third particulate material, wherein the first and second particulate materials react in the presence of the fluid in a period of time, and the third particulate material reacts in the presence of the fluid to form a solid in a longer period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Z CorporationInventors: James F. Bredt, Sarah Clark, Grieta Gilchrist