Patents by Inventor Hirohiko Togeyama
Hirohiko Togeyama 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).
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Patent number: 8562897Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a table, a powdery layer-former that forms a powdery layer on the table, and an optical beam-irradiator that irradiates an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region of the powdery layer. A chamber for accommodating the table and the powdery layer-former and a lid for opening and closing an opening defined in the chamber at a location immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range are provided. The three-dimensional object is taken out from the chamber through the opening upon completion of the sintering, and the optical beam-irradiator is disposed at a position deviated from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Norio Yoshida, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu, Shushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20120139166Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a table, a powdery layer-former that forms a powdery layer on the table, and an optical beam-irradiator that irradiates an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region of the powdery layer. A chamber for accommodating the table and the powdery layer-former and a lid for opening and closing an opening defined in the chamber at a location immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range are provided. The three-dimensional object is taken out from the chamber through the opening upon completion of the sintering, and the optical beam-irradiator is disposed at a position deviated from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi ABE, Isao FUWA, Norio YOSHIDA, Yoshikazu HIGASHI, Hirohiko TOGEYAMA, Masataka TAKENAMI, Takashi SHIMIZU, Shushi UENAGA
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Patent number: 8062020Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Norio Yoshida, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu, Shushi Uenaga
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Patent number: 7867431Abstract: Prior to molding, an initial position of at least one movable reference mark, provided in the vicinity of an object of manufacture, is measured by a first position measuring means, and the initial position of the movable reference mark is measured by a second position measuring means provided in a processing means. During the course of molding, measurement of a position of the movable reference mark is carried out by the first position measuring means and the second position measuring means. Then, based on the initial position of the movable reference mark prior to molding and the position of the movable reference mark measured by the first and second position measuring means during the course of molding, an optical beam irradiating position of an optical beam and a processing position of the processing means are corrected.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignees: Matsuura Machinery Corporation, Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Seiichi Tomita, Toshio Maeda, Norio Takinami
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Publication number: 20100233012Abstract: Manufacturing equipment for a metal powder sintered component includes: a powder layer forming portion that supplies metal powder to form a powder layer; a light beam irradiator that irradiates a give point on the powder layer with light beams to sinter the powder layer and thus form a sintered layer; and a cutter that cuts a shaped object in which sintered layers are integrally stacked. The light beam irradiator has a scan head X shaft that moves a scan head in X direction parallel to a surface irradiated with light beams and a scan head Y shaft that moves the scan head in Y direction, so that the scan head moves in a direction parallel to the irradiated surface to perform irradiation with light beams. Since the scan head moves parallel to the irradiated surface, the irradiated area can be increased. Since the irradiation height can be small, the accuracy of light beam scanning can be enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshikazu Higashi, Isao Fuwa, Satoshi Abe, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Takashi Shimizu
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Patent number: 7754135Abstract: A three-dimensional object is made by repeating a process. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powdery layer to form a sintered layer. A new powdery layer is formed on a surface of the sintered layer. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powdery layer to form a new sintered layer united with the underlying sintered layer. Because a portion of the sintered layer that is higher than a predetermined level is removed as occasion demands, the abnormally sintered portion on the sintered layer can be removed, making it possible to prevent stoppage of the shaping process, which may be caused by the abnormally sintered portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu, Shushi Uenaga
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Patent number: 7323132Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a powder material layer (10) of inorganic material; (b) irradiating an optical beam (L) on a predetermined portion of the powder material layer (10) to form a first sintered layer (11) and integrate the first sintered layer (11) with a second sintered layer (11) just below the first sintered layer (11); (c) repeating the steps (a) and (b) to form a sintered block (B) united with a plurality of the first and second sintered layers (11), the sides of the sintered block (B) including a concave portion (g); (d) removing an excess portion (17) from a surface of the sintered block (B); and (e) repeating the steps (c) and (d) with respect to the sintered block (B) from which the excess portion (17) is removed, in order to make a target shape of a three-dimensional object united with a plurality of the sintered blocks (B).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Shuushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20070252309Abstract: Prior to molding, an initial position of at least one movable reference mark, provided in the vicinity of an object of manufacture, is measured by a first position measuring means, and the initial position of the movable reference mark is measured by a second position measuring means provided in a processing means. During the course of molding, measurement of a position of the movable reference mark is carried out by the first position measuring means and the second position measuring means. Then, based on the initial position of the movable reference mark prior to molding and the position of the movable reference mark measured by the first and second position measuring means during the course of molding, an optical beam irradiating position of an optical beam and a processing position of the processing means are corrected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2005Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicants: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD., MATSUURA MACHINERY CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Seiichi Tomita, Toshio Maeda, Norio Takinami
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Patent number: 7258720Abstract: A three-dimensional object of a desired shape is made by irradiating an optical beam on a metal powder layer to form a sintered layer and by laminating such sintered layer one above another. A metal powder composition for use in making such a three-dimensional object includes an iron-based powder material, a nickel and/or nickel alloy powder material, a copper and/or copper alloy powder material, and a graphite powder material. The graphite powder material acts to enhance the wettability during melting and to reduce microcracks during solidification.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Isao Fuwa, Norio Yoshida, Shushi Uenaga, Toshiharu Iwanaga, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Satoshi Abe, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu
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Patent number: 7255830Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together. When the second lower density layer is formed on the first higher density layer, a powder material layer for the lower density layer is formed at a predetermined thickness so as to have a thickness suitable for sintering condition and then the powder material layer is sintered to form the lower density layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Shuushi Uenaga
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Patent number: 7172724Abstract: In order for a surface of a three-dimensional sintered object to be smoothly finished by removing unwanted portions and an excessively sintered growth formed during sintering to form sintered layers, the three-dimensional sintered object is formed by repeating successive processes of dispensing a powdery material and directing an optical sintering beam to the powdery material to form the sintered layer, until a required number of integral laminated bodies are formed. During the formation of the integral laminated bodies, trimming is applied to a first zone different from a second zone in which each laminated body is formed, to remove unwanted portions of the respective laminated body.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Isao Fuwa, Shushi Uenaga, Seizo Machida, Masataka Takenami
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Publication number: 20060208396Abstract: A three-dimensional object is made by repeating a process. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powdery layer to form a sintered layer. A new powdery layer is formed on a surface of the sintered layer. An optical beam is irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powdery layer to form a new sintered layer united with the underlying sintered layer. Because a portion of the sintered layer that is higher than a predetermined level is removed as occasion demands, the abnormally sintered portion on the sintered layer can be removed, making it possible to prevent stoppage of the shaping process, which may be caused by the abnormally sintered portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu, Shushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20060192322Abstract: An apparatus for making a three-dimensional object includes a powdery layer-forming unit for forming a powdery layer on a table and an optical beam-irradiating unit for irradiating an optical beam on a predetermined region of the powdery layer to sinter the predetermined region. The optical beam-irradiating unit is disposed at a position spaced from immediately above an optical beam-irradiating range to obliquely irradiate the optical beam on the powdery layer. Because fumes generated by irradiating and heating the powdery layer with the optical beam rise towards a position immediately above them, the optical beam is irradiated from the position spaced from immediately above the optical beam-irradiating range, thereby reducing a cloud of the optical beam-irradiating unit that may be caused by the fumes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2004Publication date: August 31, 2006Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Norio Yoshida, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu, Shushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20050029711Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a three-dimensional object, comprising the steps of: (a) forming a powder material layer (10) of inorganic material; (b) irradiating an optical beam (L) on a predetermined portion of the powder material layer (10) to form a first sintered layer (11) and integrate the first sintered layer (11) with a second sintered layer (11) just below the first sintered layer (11); (c) repeating the steps (a) and (b) to form a sintered block (B) united with a plurality of the first and second sintered layers (11), the sides of the sintered block (B) including a concave portion (g); (d) removing an excess portion (17) from a surface of the sintered block (B); and (e) repeating the steps (c) and (d) with respect to the sintered block (B) from which the excess portion (17) is removed, in order to make a target shape of a three-dimensional object united with a plurality of the sintered blocks (B).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Shuushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20040228754Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together. When the second lower density layer is formed on the first higher density layer, a powder material layer for the lower density layer is formed at a predetermined thickness so as to have a thickness suitable for sintering condition and then the powder material layer is sintered to form the lower density layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Isao Fuwa, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Masataka Takenami, Shuushi Uenaga
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Publication number: 20040182201Abstract: A three-dimensional object of a desired shape is made by irradiating an optical beam on a metal powder layer to form a sintered layer and by laminating such sintered layer one above another. A metal powder composition for use in making such a three-dimensional object includes an iron-based powder material, a nickel and/or nickel alloy powder material, a copper and/or copper alloy powder material, and a graphite powder material. The graphite powder material acts to enhance the wettability during melting and to reduce microcracks during solidification.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.,Inventors: Isao Fuwa, Norio Yoshida, Shushi Uenaga, Toshiharu Iwanaga, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Satoshi Abe, Masataka Takenami, Takashi Shimizu
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Patent number: 6657155Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together, which have a size greater than that of a target shape of the three-dimensional object. A surface region of a shaped object formed by then is removed during the formation of the plurality of sintered layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Norio Yoshida, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Isao Fuwa, Shushi Uenaga, Seizo Machida
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Publication number: 20030185697Abstract: In order for a surface of a three-dimensional sintered object to be smoothly finished by removing unwanted portions and an excessively sintered growth formed during sintering to form sintered layers, the three-dimensional sintered object is formed by repeating successive processes of dispensing a powdery material and directing an optical sintering beam to the powdery material to form the sintered layer, until a required number of integral laminated bodies are formed. During the formation of the integral laminated bodies, trimming is applied to a first zone different from a second zone in which each laminated body is formed, to remove unwanted portions of the respective laminated body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Norio Yoshida, Isao Fuwa, Shushi Uenaga, Seizo Machida, Masataka Takenami
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Publication number: 20020041818Abstract: To make a three-dimensional object, an optical beam is first irradiated on a predetermined portion of a powder layer to form a sintered layer, which is then covered with a new powder layer. The optical beam is again irradiated on a predetermined portion of the new powder layer to form another sintered layer that has been united with the underlying sintered layer. These processes are repeatedly carried out to form a plurality of sintered layers united together, which have a size greater than that of a target shape of the three-dimensional object. A surface region of a shaped object formed by then is removed during the formation of the plurality of sintered layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Abe, Norio Yoshida, Yoshikazu Higashi, Hirohiko Togeyama, Isao Fuwa, Shushi Uenaga, Seizo Machida