Abstract: An infusion pump includes first and pumping segments configured to operate in parallel with each other, each pumping segment including a group of serially-aligned pumping elements configured to compress an elongated compressible channel loaded within the pumping segment. Each group of serially aligned pumping elements of the multiple pumping segments is caused to pump according to respective timing patterns offset from each other to deliver a first fluid from a first compressible channel loaded in the first pumping segment to a common delivery tubing while filling a second compressible channel loaded in the second pumping segment with a second fluid, and to deliver the second fluid from second compressible channel to the common delivery conduit while filling the first compressible channel using the first pumping segment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for building three-dimensional models by deposition modeling techniques from moisture-sensitive thermoplastics. A feedstock of thermoplastic modeling material is dried to a low moisture content and supplied to a dispensing head of a modeling apparatus. The dry thermoplastic material is heated in a liquifier and deposited in a predetermined pattern so as to build a three-dimensional model.

Abstract: Filament is loaded into an extrusion apparatus, such as a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine, by inserting a cassette containing filament into the apparatus. A filament strand from the cassette is then advanced into the machine, such as by operating a thumb wheel or a follower wheel on the cassette. The filament loading method of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: Disclosed are a filament cassette and a filament loading assembly for supplying filament in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. The filament cassette contains a rotatable spool of filament, and has an exit orifice through which a filament strand may exit the cassette. The filament loading assembly is mounted on the modeling machine and receives the filament cassette. The filament loading assembly has conduit for receiving a strand of filament from the cassette and a drive means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit. The filament cassette and loading assembly of the present invention provide a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament from the modeling machine. The filament cassette and the conduit may be made airtight so that the filament is protected from moisture in the environment.

Abstract: Filament is loaded into an extrusion apparatus, such as a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine, by inserting a cassette containing filament into the apparatus. A filament strand from the cassette is then advanced into the machine, such as by operating a thumb wheel or a follower wheel on the cassette. The filament loading method of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for building three-dimensional models by deposition modeling techniques from moisture-sensitive thermoplastics. A feedstock of thermoplastic modeling material is dried to a low moisture content and supplied to a dispensing head of a modeling apparatus. The dry thermoplastic material is heated in a liquifier and deposited in a predetermined pattern so as to build a three-dimensional model.

Abstract: Disclosed are a filament cassette and a filament loading assembly for supplying filament in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. The filament cassette contains a rotatable spool of filament, and has an exit orifice through which a filament strand may exit the cassette. The filament loading assembly is mounted on the modeling machine and receives the filament cassette. The filament loading assembly has conduit for receiving a strand of filament from the cassette and a drive means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit. The filament cassette and loading assembly of the present invention provide a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament from the modeling machine. The filament cassette and the conduit may be made airtight so that the filament is protected from moisture in the environment.