Patents by Inventor Earl N. Dunlap

Earl N. Dunlap 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).

  • Process for tempering rapid prototype parts
    Patent number: 7229586
    Abstract: A rapid prototype tempering process comprises producing a rapid prototype part from a base material, creating voids in the rapid prototype part, and filling the voids with a filler material that changes at least one characteristic of the prototype part. The rapid prototype part may be made, for example, by stereolithography, selective laser sintering (SLS), extrusion, printhead technology, or the like. The base material is generally a brittle material and the filler material may be selected to enhance the durability of the prototype part, for example. Parts made completely from a filler material that is injected into cavities of molds made from a base material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: Earl N. Dunlap, Dennis M. Turner, Jack L. Lawson
  • Process for tempering rapid prototype parts
    Publication number: 20030186042
    Abstract: A rapid prototype tempering process comprises producing a rapid prototype part from a base material, creating voids in the rapid prototype part, and filling the voids with a filler material that changes at least one characteristic of the prototype part. The rapid prototype part may be made, for example, by stereolithography, selective laser sintering (SLS), extrusion, printhead technology, or the like. The base material is generally a brittle material and the filler material may be selected to enhance the durability of the prototype part, for example. Parts made completely from a filler material that is injected into cavities of molds made from a base material are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Earl N. Dunlap, Dennis M. Turner, Jack L. Lawson