Patents by Inventor Andrew Michael Stulc

Andrew Michael Stulc has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11926099
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a structure. The system may include a motion platform, a print head, and a drive. The drive may include a base connectable to the motion platform, a slipring disposed inside of the base, and a drivetrain extending between the base and the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Stulc, Nathan Andrew Stranberg
  • Patent number: 11904534
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed for use in fabricating a structure. The additive manufacturing system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a housing, a supply module operatively mounted to the housing and configured to hold a supply of continuous reinforcement, an impregnation module operatively mounted to the housing and configured to wet the continuous reinforcement with a matrix, and a clamping module operatively mounted to the housing downstream of the supply module relative to movement of a reinforcement through the print head. The clamping module may be configured to selectively clamp the continuous reinforcement. The additive manufacturing system may also include a controller in communication with the support and the print head and configured to coordinate operations of the support and the print head to fabricate a three-dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Brock Adam Jahner, Stephen Tyler Wilson
  • Patent number: 11813793
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a first supply configured to hold a continuous reinforcement, a second supply configured to hold a matrix separate from the continuous reinforcement, and a wetting mechanism in separate communication with the first and second supplies and configured to discharge the continuous reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The system may also include a controller programmed to selectively pressurize the second supply to direct the matrix to the wetting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Patent number: 11806923
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may have an outlet configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement at least partially coated in a matrix, and a device located inside the print head and configured to at least partially coat the continuous reinforcement with the matrix. The system may also include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of the matrix, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the device. The controller may be configured to direct a command to the device to cause the device to advance matrix toward the continuous reinforcement during passage of the continuous reinforcement through the print head, and to selectively adjust the command based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Ryan C Stockett, Andrew Michael Stulc
  • Patent number: 11760021
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing an object. The system may have a reinforcement supply, a matrix supply, and a wetting module configured to separately receive reinforcement from the reinforcement supply and matrix from the matrix supply and to discharge the reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The wetting module may include a body forming an enclosure and having an inlet end configured to receive the reinforcement and an outlet end configured to discharge the reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The wetting module may also include a plurality of nozzles dividing the enclosure into at least a wetting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew John Overby, Andrew Michael Stulc, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Ryan C. Stocket, Brock Adam Jahner
  • Publication number: 20230191697
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include an outlet configured to discharge a material in a trajectory along a central axis of the outlet, and a compactor disposed downstream of the outlet relative to the trajectory and configured to press the material transversely against an adjacent surface. The outlet may be configured to translate relative to the compacting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Continuous Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: TREVOR DAVID BUDGE, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Publication number: 20230122355
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a first supply configured to hold a liquid matrix, a second supply configured to hold a continuous reinforcement, and a wetting module configured to separately receive the liquid matrix and the continuous reinforcement from the first and second supplies, respectively, and to discharge a composite material including the continuous reinforcement wetted with the liquid matrix. The wetting module may include a body forming an internal chamber having an upstream open end and a downstream open end, an entrant nozzle disposed within the upstream open end and configured to receive the continuous reinforcement, and an exit nozzle disposed within the downstream closed end and configured to discharge the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: TREVOR DAVID BUDGE, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Patent number: 11613080
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include an outlet configured to discharge a material in a trajectory along a central axis of the outlet, and a compactor disposed downstream of the outlet relative to the trajectory and configured to press the material transversely against an adjacent surface. The outlet may be configured to translate relative to the compacting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Patent number: 11541598
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a first supply configured to hold a liquid matrix, a second supply configured to hold a continuous reinforcement, and a wetting module configured to separately receive the liquid matrix and the continuous reinforcement from the first and second supplies, respectively, and to discharge a composite material including the continuous reinforcement wetted with the liquid matrix. The wetting module may include a body forming an internal chamber having an upstream open end and a downstream open end, an entrant nozzle disposed within the upstream open end and configured to receive the continuous reinforcement, and an exit nozzle disposed within the downstream closed end and configured to discharge the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Publication number: 20220339868
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a structure. The system may include a motion platform, a print head, and a drive. The drive may include a base connectable to the motion platform, a slipring disposed inside of the base, and a drivetrain extending between the base and the print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Stulc, Nathan Andrew Stranberg
  • Publication number: 20220339872
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for additively manufacturing an object. The method may include extending a first module of a print head to push a tag end of material adjacent a second module during a feeding routine. The method may also include extending the second module to push against the tag end, and activating a third module to at least partially cure the tag end and thereby adhere the tag end as an anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Continous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew John Overby, Andrew Michael Stulc, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Ryan C. Stocket, Brock Adam Jahner, Christopher Losee
  • Publication number: 20220339874
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing an object. The system may have a support and a first module operatively mounted to an end of the support and configured to discharge a material during motion of the support to form an object. The system may also have a second module configured to sever the material, at least a third module configured to at least one of compact or cure the material, and an actuator configured to cause movement of the second and the at least a third modules relative to the first module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew John Overby, Andrew Michael Stulc, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Ryan C. Stocket, Brock Adam Jahner
  • Publication number: 20220339866
    Abstract: A print head is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing an object. The print head may have a housing, and a wetting module configured to wet a reinforcement with a liquid matrix. The print head may also include a matrix supply configured to hold a quantity of the liquid matrix and supply the liquid matrix to the wetting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew John Overby, Andrew Michael Stulc, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Ryan C. Stocket, Brock Adam Jahner
  • Publication number: 20220339871
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing an object. The system may have a reinforcement supply, a matrix supply, and a wetting module configured to separately receive reinforcement from the reinforcement supply and matrix from the matrix supply and to discharge the reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The wetting module may include a body forming an enclosure and having an inlet end configured to receive the reinforcement and an outlet end configured to discharge the reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The wetting module may also include a plurality of nozzles dividing the enclosure into at least a wetting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew John Overby, Andrew Michael Stulc, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Ryan C. Stocket, Brock Adam Jahner
  • Patent number: 11465348
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a supply of continuous reinforcement, an outlet configured to discharge the continuous reinforcement, and a tensioning module disposed between the supply and outlet. The tensioning module may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a tension in the continuous reinforcement. The system may also include a processor programmed to selectively cause the supply to dispense the continuous reinforcement based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Patent number: 11420390
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed for use in fabricating a structure. The additive manufacturing system may include a support, and a print head configured to discharge a material and being operatively connected to and moveable by the support in a normal travel direction during material discharge. The print head may include a module located at a trailing side of the discharging material relative to the normal travel direction and being configured to compact the material and expose the material to a cure energy at a tool center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Raye Vincent Brodie, Kyle Frank Cummings, Andrew Michael Stulc, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Brock Jahner, Stephen Tyler Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220118699
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may have an outlet configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement at least partially coated in a matrix, and a device located inside the print head and configured to at least partially coat the continuous reinforcement with the matrix. The system may also include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of the matrix, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the device. The controller may be configured to direct a command to the device to cause the device to advance matrix toward the continuous reinforcement during passage of the continuous reinforcement through the print head, and to selectively adjust the command based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David BUDGE, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Ryan C. Stockett, Andrew Michael Stulc
  • Publication number: 20220080658
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a first supply configured to hold a continuous reinforcement, a second supply configured to hold a matrix separate from the continuous reinforcement, and a wetting mechanism in separate communication with the first and second supplies and configured to discharge the continuous reinforcement wetted with the matrix. The system may also include a controller programmed to selectively pressurize the second supply to direct the matrix to the wetting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby
  • Publication number: 20220080653
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include a first supply configured to hold a liquid matrix, a second supply configured to hold a continuous reinforcement, and a wetting module configured to separately receive the liquid matrix and the continuous reinforcement from the first and second supplies, respectively, and to discharge a composite material including the continuous reinforcement wetted with the liquid matrix. The wetting module may include a body forming an internal chamber having an upstream open end and a downstream open end, an entrant nozzle disposed within the upstream open end and configured to receive the continuous reinforcement, and an exit nozzle disposed within the downstream closed end and configured to discharge the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220080659
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, and a print head operatively connected to and moveable by the support. The print head may include an outlet configured to discharge a material in a trajectory along a central axis of the outlet, and a compactor disposed downstream of the outlet relative to the trajectory and configured to press the material transversely against an adjacent surface. The outlet may be configured to translate relative to the compacting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor David Budge, Brock Adam Jahner, Jeremiah R. Smith, Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Andrew Michael Stulc, Samuel VanDenBerg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Andrew John Overby