Patents by Inventor Brian S. Smiddy

Brian S. Smiddy 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).

  • Publication number: 20210362412
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Nicolas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Brian S. Smiddy, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 11179893
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder, the extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The apparatus may also include an extruder output in fluid communication with the extruder, wherein the extruder output extends away from the extruder along a longitudinal axis. One or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the extruder output may also be included, and, as the material passes through the extruder output, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may also include a gear pump in fluid communication with the extruder output for receiving the at least partially melted material, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Brian S. Smiddy, Jonathan I. Fuquay
  • Publication number: 20210347118
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an extruder and a gear pump in fluid communication with extruder. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump. The extruder is connected to a guide member such that at least a portion of the extruder is configured to expand and move along the guide member according to a thermal expansion of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Brian S. SMIDDY, John FUQUAY, Scott G. VAAL
  • Publication number: 20210316506
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 11117313
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first vertically-extending support leg, a second vertically-extending support leg, and a gantry supported on the first and second support legs. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a work table movably supported beneath the gantry, a print head supported on the gantry, and a trim head supported on the gantry with the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay
  • Patent number: 11104072
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Nicolas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Brian S. Smiddy, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 11077616
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an extruder and a gear pump in fluid communication with extruder. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump. The extruder is connected to a guide member such that at least a portion of the extruder is configured to expand and move along the guide member according to a thermal expansion of the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 11059227
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20210178685
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder, the extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The apparatus may also include an extruder output in fluid communication with the extruder, wherein the extruder output extends away from the extruder along a longitudinal axis. One or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the extruder output may also be included, and, as the material passes through the extruder output, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may also include a gear pump in fluid communication with the extruder output for receiving the at least partially melted material, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. VAAL, Brian S. SMIDDY, Jonathan I. FUQUAY
  • Publication number: 20210154915
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first vertically-extending support leg, a second vertically-extending support leg, and a gantry supported on the first and second support legs. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a work table movably supported beneath the gantry, a print head supported on the gantry, and a trim head supported on the gantry with the print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Brian S. SMIDDY, John FUQUAY
  • Patent number: 11003160
    Abstract: A multi-axis machine includes a horizontally-displaceable carriage, a vertically-displaceable column, a spindle supported distally of the column, a motor configured to change a position of at least one of the carriage, the column, or the spindle; and an impact detection mechanism. The impact detection mechanism includes a first plate, a second plate secured distally of the first plate, and a sensor configured to detect a motion of the second plate with respect to the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Brian S. Smiddy
  • Publication number: 20210101336
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an extruder and a gear pump in fluid communication with extruder. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump. The extruder is connected to a guide member such that at least a portion of the extruder is configured to expand and move along the guide member according to a thermal expansion of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Brian S. SMIDDY, John FUQUAY, Scott G. VAAL
  • Patent number: 10933586
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder, the extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The apparatus may also include an extruder output in fluid communication with the extruder, wherein the extruder output extends away from the extruder along a longitudinal axis. One or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the extruder output may also be included, and, as the material passes through the extruder output, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may also include a gear pump in fluid communication with the extruder output for receiving the at least partially melted material, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Brian S. Smiddy, Jonathan I. Fuquay
  • Publication number: 20200398489
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to an additive manufacturing system, which may include a nozzle having an inlet for receiving a flowable material and an outlet for depositing the flowable material. An applicator head may surround at least a portion of a proximal region of the nozzle. The applicator head may include a housing, a cooling inlet for receiving a coolant into the housing, a cooling outlet configured to allow the coolant to exit the housing, and an air inlet. A roller may be mounted on the applicator head to one side of the outlet of the nozzle. The roller may include an air outlet, wherein a flow path connects the air inlet and the air outlet so that air enters the air inlet and exits the air outlet. The roller may also include a plurality of holes located on an external surface of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. Vaal, Brian S. Smiddy
  • Publication number: 20200331202
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10786944
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a first vertically-extending support leg, a second vertically-extending support leg, and a gantry supported on the first and second support legs. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a work table movably supported beneath the gantry, a print head supported on the gantry, and a trim head supported on the gantry with the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay
  • Patent number: 10786946
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to an additive manufacturing system, which may include a nozzle having an inlet for receiving a flowable material and an outlet for depositing the flowable material. An applicator head may surround at least a portion of a proximal region of the nozzle. The applicator head may include a housing, a cooling inlet for receiving a coolant into the housing, a cooling outlet configured to allow the coolant to exit the housing, and an air inlet. A roller may be mounted on the applicator head to one side of the outlet of the nozzle. The roller may include an air outlet, wherein a flow path connects the air inlet and the air outlet so that air enters the air inlet and exits the air outlet. The roller may also include a plurality of holes located on an external surface of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Brian S. Smiddy
  • Patent number: 10780635
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes an extruder and a gear pump in fluid communication with extruder. The additive manufacturing apparatus also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump. The extruder is connected to a guide member such that at least a portion of the extruder is configured to expand and move along the guide member according to a thermal expansion of the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20200276757
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Nicholas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Brian S. Smiddy, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10723074
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal