Patents Examined by Jimmy R Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11850811
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a lens includes dispensing a first liquid optically-transmissive material into a first mold cavity and then curing the first liquid optically-transmissive material to form a first region the lens having a first refractive index and an optical interface surface. A second liquid optically-transmissive material then dispensed into a second mold cavity over the optical interface surface while the first region of the lens is disposed within the second mold cavity. The second liquid optically-transmissive material in the second mold cavity is cured to form a second region of the lens having a second refractive index. An optical interface between the first region and the second region conforms to the optical interface surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Chad Lichtenhan, Michael Patrick Schaub, Byron Taylor
  • Patent number: 11850793
    Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to additive manufacturing systems and related methods. In some embodiments, an additive manufacturing system includes a laser array position detector to determine a position and/or orientation of laser energy pixels in a laser array. The laser array position detector may include an aperture and an optical sensor positioned within the aperture to detect laser energy from a laser energy pixel when the laser array is scanned across the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: VulcanForms Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Sweetland
  • Patent number: 11845216
    Abstract: A device and method for printing 3D articles including electronic and functional elements including 3D printer and a plasma jet printer based on a dielectric barrier atmospheric pressure plasma jet system in which both printing and in-situ treatment and post-deposition treatment can be carried out to tailor the materials characteristics. Plasma jet printer comprising of electrodes in the nozzle/print head for applying electric field and generating atmospheric plasma that could be used for non-gravity based highly directional printing in any direction. Integration of dielectric barrier plasma printer and plasma treatment jets with the 3D printer increases the capability of embedding high performance electronics in a 3D printed structure aiding in additive manufacturing of functional devices. Ability to use a range of materials for print head assembly including micro machined silicon increases the resolution of the plasma jet printer to sub-micron level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
    Inventors: Ramprasad Gandhiraman, Meyya Meyyappan, Jessica E. Koehne
  • Patent number: 11846928
    Abstract: A method for providing data for selectively irradiating a powder layer in additive production, the method includes: providing a predefined component geometry for a component; dividing the component geometry into at least one first component layer and an overlying second component layer for additive production, wherein a contour of the second component layer is incongruent with a contour of the first component layer; and continuously defining at least one production parameter for additively producing the second component layer in region of a molten bath of a contour of the first component layer. A corresponding component is produced and a computer program product implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ole Geisen
  • Patent number: 11848534
    Abstract: A laser assembly for use with an additive manufacturing system, which includes a base block configured to be moved along a scan direction axis in the additive manufacturing system, a plurality of laser emitters preferably arranged in an array of at least two rows of two or more laser emitters. At least a portion of a heat sink assembly is configured to draw heat away from the base block and/or the laser emitters. The assembly includes a controller assembly a controller assembly configured to control a movement of the base block along the first axis and to independently control at least timing and duration of energy emitted from each laser emitter of the plurality of laser emitters as the base block moves along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Evolve Additive Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Samuel Batchelder, Moshe Aknin, Jonathan B. Hedlund
  • Patent number: 11826828
    Abstract: A gas supply device for a manufacturing device includes an inert gas supply source that supplies inert gas, a supply line connected to the inert gas supply source, a nitrogen removal portion that is provided on the supply line and that removes at least a portion of nitrogen in the inert gas, and an oxygen removal portion that is provided on the supply line and that removes at least a portion of oxygen in the inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tachibana, Yasuyuki Fujiya, Masayuki Ota
  • Patent number: 11806932
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a resin vessel containing resin, an imaging bar, a movement mechanism coupled to the imaging bar, and a controller. The imaging bar includes an arrangement of light emitting devices that selectively emit radiation from an exit surface of the imaging bar to define a build plane in the resin. The exit surface of the imaging bar is preferably less than 10 millimeters from the build plane. The controller is configured to scan the imaging bar along a scan axis and, concurrent with scanning, operate the imaging bar to selectively image a layer of resin at the build plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Beauchamp, Ning Zheng, James Francis Smith, III
  • Patent number: 11801621
    Abstract: A system for curing a thermoset composite may include a tooling die configured to receive and support an uncured thermoset composite part and to heat the uncured thermoset composite part; a pressure media bag configured to be placed over the uncured thermoset composite part disposed on the tooling die and including a pressure media; and a mechanical press configured to apply a consolidation pressure to the uncured thermoset composite part disposed on the tooling die, the pressure media bag may be configured to distribute the consolidation pressure applied by the mechanical press to the uncured thermoset composite part disposed on the tooling die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Adriana Willempje Blom-Schieber, James Niemann Buttrick, Jr., Michael David Galuska
  • Patent number: 11794281
    Abstract: A method of laser processing including generating a laser beam having, at different longitudinal positions in a propagation direction, first and second transverse beam profiles of energy density. The first transverse beam profile is different to the second transverse beam profile and is non-Gaussian. The method includes carrying out a scan of the laser beam across a working surface, wherein, during the scan, the laser beam and/or working surface is adjusted such that, for a first part of the scan, the first transverse beam profile is located at the working surface and, for a second part of the scan, the second transverse beam profile is located at the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventor: Ian James Thomson
  • Patent number: 11794251
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a removable vessel to reduce the time required for start-up procedures after the printer is serviced. The removable vessel is filled with solid metal that is heated to its melting temperature before the bulk wire is inserted into the vessel to commence printing operations. The melting of the solid metal in the removable vessel requires less time that the melting of an length of bulk wire adequate to produce a volume of melted metal suitable for printer operation. The solid metal in the removable vessel can be metal pellets, metal powder, or a solid metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jason M. LeFevre, Joseph C. Sheflin, Paul J. McConville, Joshua Hilton
  • Patent number: 11780186
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating inflatable devices made from air- or gas-holding fabrics. Specific embodiments relate to seam tapes, films, structural components or accessories welded to one or more fabric panels. Specifically disclosed is a fabrication system and method that reduces potential damage due to overheating seam areas. This disclosure has been found particularly useful with improved lightweight fabrics that would otherwise be susceptible to damage during welding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: AIR CRUISERS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Swierkocki, Christian W. Thomson, Stanley J. Pawlowski, Jr, Sean M. Blazick
  • Patent number: 11760059
    Abstract: A method of bonding includes using a bonding layer having a fluorinated oxide. Fluorine may be introduced into the bonding layer by exposure to a fluorine-containing solution, vapor or gas or by implantation. The bonding layer may also be formed using a method where fluorine is introduced into the layer during its formation. The surface of the bonding layer is terminated with a desired species, preferably an NH2 species. This may be accomplished by exposing the bonding layer to an NH4OH solution. High bonding strength is obtained at room temperature. The method may also include bonding two bonding layers together and creating a fluorine distribution having a peak in the vicinity of the interface between the bonding layers. One of the bonding layers may include two oxide layers formed on each other. The fluorine concentration may also have a second peak at the interface between the two oxide layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ADEIA SEMICONDUCTOR BONDING TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Qin-Yi Tong
  • Patent number: 11760006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional component by an electron-beam, laser-sintering or laser-melting process, in which the component is created by successively solidifying predetermined portions of individual layers of building material that can be solidified by being exposed to the effect of an electron-beam or laser-beam source (2) by melting on the building material, wherein thermographic data records are recorded during the production of the layers, respectively characterizing a temperature profile of at least certain portions of the respective layer, and the irradiation of the layers takes place by means of an electron beam or laser beam (3), which is controlled on the basis of the recorded thermographic data records in such a way that a largely homogeneous temperature profile is produced, wherein, to irradiate an upper layer, a focal point (4) of the electron beam or laser beam (3) is guided along a scanning path (17), which is chosen on the basis of the data record charac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Concept Laser GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Herzog
  • Patent number: 11752574
    Abstract: A laser beam irradiation unit of a laser processing apparatus includes a laser oscillator, a condenser lens that condenses a laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator, and a phase modulation element arranged between the laser oscillator and the condenser lens. Individual differences of the condenser lens are prevented by applying, to the phase modulation element, voltages corresponding to a combined pattern of a shape correction pattern which is configured to correct differences between an actual shape and design values of the condenser lens, and an adjustment pattern which is configured to adjust optical characteristics of the laser beam at each processing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Ueki, Nobuyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 11745212
    Abstract: An apparatus including a grid having a plurality of rows and columns; a base, to which the grid is configured to be fixed; a liquid container; and a liquid application device; wherein the liquid application device is removably attached to the grid and configured to move along the grid when attached to the grid; and wherein the liquid application device is connected to the liquid container so that it receives liquid from the liquid container. The liquid application device may include a brush, a roller, and/or a spray device. The liquid may be paint or an adhesive, and for adhesive, wallpaper may be applied after the adhesive. The grid may be configured to be fixed parallel or perpendicular to the base, when the base is parallel to a floor surface, depending on whether the liquid is being applied to a vertical wall or to a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Ludlow D. Forbes
  • Patent number: 11731342
    Abstract: An additively manufactured structure and methods for making and using same. An object can be printed at least partially on an attachment portion. The attachment portion can be bonded to the object upon the printing. The object does not need to be removed from the attachment portion. The need of providing a print surface to allow easy removal of the object is eliminated. The object can be a flat panel and can eliminate the need of printing a large flat layer using additive manufacturing. The attachment portion can be cut prior to the printing, so no trimming needs to be performed after the printing. The attachment portion can be made of a material that has one or more selected properties to expand functionalities of the object. A secondary operation for attaching the attachment portion to the object after the printing can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: RapidFlight Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Riha, Alexis Fiechter, Robert Bedsole, Charles Hill, Timofei Novikov, Kyle Rowe
  • Patent number: 11731370
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a zipper closure to polymeric film using minimal tension on the zipper closure includes providing first and second tension control loops, an eyemark detector, and a hole punch programmed to punch a hole in the zipper closure upon detection of the eyemark. The zipper closure and the film are supplied to a sealing station at the same speed, and the hole zipper closure is aligned with the eyemark on the film, to result in sealing the strip of zipper closure to the film resulting in minimal wrinkles to the resulting bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Soller, Carlos Chapek, Zachary Thompson, Aaron Wells, Gregory Heckman
  • Patent number: 11724447
    Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object comprises the steps of forming a layer of a particulate composition, selectively depositing a liquid composition onto the layer of the particulate composition in accordance with computer data corresponding to the shape of at least a portion of a three-dimensional object, and repeating the steps a plurality of times to form a three-dimensional object. The particulate composition comprises a plurality of first particles that comprise a resin component comprising a first resin, the first resin comprising a first resin polymerizable group. Either or both of the particulate composition and the liquid composition comprise an initiator capable of initiating polymerization of at least the first resin. At least the first resin undergoes melting and polymerization in a plurality of the locations where the liquid composition has been selectively deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Covestro (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Franz Gradus Antonius Jansen, Rudolfus Antonius Theodorus Maria Van Benthem, Paulus Franciscus Anna Buijsen, Franciscus Johannes Marie Derks, Mark Petrus Franciscus Pepels, Alfred Jean Paul Buckmann
  • Patent number: 11725779
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high-pressure fluid vessel includes forming a first portion of a high-pressure fluid vessel with a molding process. The high-pressure fluid vessel includes a stack of capsules. Each capsule includes a first domed end, a second domed end, and a semicylindrical portion extending between and connecting the first domed end to the second domed end. The method further includes forming a second portion of a high-pressure fluid vessel with the molding process. The second portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel. The second portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel is welded to the first portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wenping Zhao, Ellen Y. Sun
  • Patent number: 11713185
    Abstract: A method for producing a cup for a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages is provided. The method includes the steps of co-injection molding a cup of multilayer plastic material with an intermediate layer of the gas barrier type, the cup being a single body provided with a bottom having a nozzle, and an inner base including a completely closed central portion covering the nozzle, partially cutting the central portion to form at least one opening connecting the inside of the cup and the nozzle, and a further step of folding a portion of the cup between the opening and the nozzle towards the inside of the nozzle to form a deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: BISIO PROGETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Matteo Schenone