Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for contour crafting. The system includes a work tool configured to form a first layer by depositing material from a print head and following a path for depositing a second layer of material atop the first layer. The system further includes an optics assembly configured to produce a light pattern directed toward previously deposited material, and a camera configured to capture image data of the previously deposited material. The system further includes a processing device being configured to obtain, from the image data, a visible formation of the light pattern as it is projected onto the previously deposited material, and make a comparison of the visible formation to a predicted formation. The processing device is further configured to determine that the second layer is not aligned with the first layer, and adjust of the path being followed by the work tool based on the determination.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for contour crafting. The system includes a work tool configured to form a first layer by depositing material from a print head and following a path for depositing a second layer of material atop the first layer. The system further includes an optics assembly configured to produce a light pattern directed toward previously deposited material, and a camera configured to capture image data of the previously deposited material. The system further includes a processing device being configured to obtain, from the image data, a visible formation of the light pattern as it is projected onto the previously deposited material, and make a comparison of the visible formation to a predicted formation. The processing device is further configured to determine that the second layer is not aligned with the first layer, and adjust of the path being followed by the work tool based on the determination.

Abstract: A method for forming an object using additive manufacturing process includes obtaining a Three Dimensional (3-D) digital model of the object to be formed; segmenting a work area into a plurality of distinct zones based on the 3-D digital model of the object to be formed; assigning a plurality of print heads to the plurality of zones such that at least one print head is configured to print in at least one of the plurality of zones; printing each of the plurality of zones by the assigned plurality of print heads; and assigning at least one print head from the plurality of print heads to print an intermediate zone lying between a pair of adjacently located zones.

Abstract: A method of guiding deposition of a material to form a Three Dimensional (3D) structure is disclosed. The method includes generating a tool path based on a digital model of the 3D structure via a controller and communicating the tool path to a guiding device. The method further includes generating a guiding path on a work surface via the guiding device based on the tool path and depositing the material along the guiding path via a tool member.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for selective tridimensional repair of a worn surface using at least a scanning device and an additive manufacturing device is provided. The computer-implemented method may include generating a worn surface model of the worn surface based on point cloud data obtained from the scanning device, superimposing the worn surface model onto a nominal surface model, generating trace data corresponding to dimensional variations between the worn surface model and the nominal surface model, and generating a rebuild volume based on the trace data.

Abstract: A modular retainer assembly for electrical cables is disclosed. The modular retainer assembly includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces of the base define a thickness of the base therebetween. The modular retainer assembly also includes a plurality of divider walls projected outwardly from the upper surface of the base. Each divider wall of the plurality of divider walls define a channel disposed between the divider wall and an adjacent divider wall. Also, each divider wall has a curved profile along a length of each divider wall. Further, a cross section of each divider wall defines a top portion thickness and a bottom portion thickness, the bottom portion thickness of the divider wall being less than the top portion thickness of the divider wall measured at the cross section of the divider wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for establishing a partnering scheme having dynamic cross-links between satellites of a satellite communication system that are travelling in different, non-adjacent orbital planes and in different directions. The present invention provides a definitive set of dynamic cross-links for a satellite positioned within a first orbital plane traveling in a first direction, such as an ascending direction, with a satellite positioned in a non-adjacent orbital plane and traveling in a second direction, such as an descending direction.

Abstract: In a portable domestic air humidifier of the rotating drum type, the improvement wherein a fill funnel occupies a portion of the periphery of the drum.