Patents by Inventor Ralf Frank

Ralf Frank 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: 20250207976
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for determining at least one adjusted sample coating to match the appearance of a reference coating, and respective systems, apparatuses, or computer elements. Further disclosed herein are methods and respective systems, apparatuses, or computer elements for determining at least one adjusted sample coating to match the appearance of a reference coating by considering visual deviations in appearance between a sample coating and an associated reference coating which are subjectively perceived by a human observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: Florian STEUFMEHL, Guido BISCHOFF, Ralf FRANK
  • Patent number: 12290859
    Abstract: A powder application device (10) for use in a system (100) for producing a three-dimensional workpiece using a generative layering process comprises a spreading member (12). The spreading member (12) is movable across a surface of a carrier (116) for depositing a raw material powder for producing a workpiece by a generative layering method onto the surface of the carrier (116). Furthermore, the powder application device (10) comprises a powder entrainer (16) which is movable across a carrier plane (E) and which, in the region of a surface (20) facing the carrier plane (E), is provided with a surface profile (22). The surface profile (20) comprises an entraining element (24a, 24b, 24c) and a passage channel (26a, 26b, 26c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Nikon SLM Solutions AG
    Inventors: Peter Koerner, Ralf Frank
  • Publication number: 20220009000
    Abstract: A powder application device (10) for use in a system (100) for producing a three-dimensional workpiece using a generative layering process comprises a spreading member (12). The spreading member (12) is movable across a surface of a carrier (116) for depositing a raw material powder for producing a workpiece by a generative layering method onto the surface of the carrier (116). Furthermore, the powder application device (10) comprises a powder entrainer (16) which is movable across a carrier plane (E) and which, in the region of a surface (20) facing the carrier plane (E), is provided with a surface profile (22). The surface profile (20) comprises an entraining element (24a, 24b, 24c) and a passage channel (26a, 26b, 26c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Peter Koerner, Ralf Frank