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).

  • Powder application device, method for operating a powder application device, and system for producing a three-dimensional workpiece
    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
  • POWDER APPLICATION DEVICE, METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWDER APPLICATION DEVICE, AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORKPIECE
    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
  • Control systems for handling machines
    Patent number: 6029533
    Abstract: A control system for the axes of movement of handling machines with linear drives and/or pivoting drives for transporting and for positioning workpieces relative to and in a target point, particularly relative to and on processing machines. The control system combines a speed adjustment or speed control of the axes of movement of the handling machine for moving a workpiece into the area of a target point, on the one hand, and a position control of the axes of movement for the precise positioning of the workpiece in the target point, on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dango & Dienenthal Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Frank Notzel