Abstract: In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a system for forming a three dimensional (3D) object from a volume of photo-responsive material contained within a material container. A plurality of optical projection subsystems are adapted to be arranged circumferentially around a material container containing the volume of photo-responsive material, and are controlled by a controller. The optical projection subsystems direct optical projections at a plurality of angles ? through the volume of photo-responsive material. The optical projections are further directed about a z axis extending through the volume of photo-responsive material.

Abstract: An electronic control system is disclosed for controlling individually controllable elements of an external component. In one embodiment the system may include a state translator subsystem for receiving a state command from an external subsystem. The state translator subsystem may have at least one module for processing the state command and generating operational commands for controlling the elements to achieve a desired state or condition. A programmable calibration command translation layer (PCCTL) subsystem may be included which receives and uses the operational commands to generate granular level commands for controlling the elements. A feedback control layer subsystem may be included which applies the granular level commands to the elements, and further modifies the granular level commands as needed to control the elements in closed loop fashion.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional (3D) object is disclosed. The method may involve providing a volume of photo-curable resin contained within an optically transparent resin container, and simultaneously directing optical projections from an optical subsystem at a plurality of angles ? through the volume of photo-curable resin. The optical beams are directed about a z axis extending through the volume of photo-curable resin. Each of the projections is provided with a calculated 2D spatial intensity function which creates a 3D intensity map. The projections act over a fixed temporal exposure period, during which the net exposure dose is sufficient to cure select portions of the volume of photo-curable resin, and to leave other portions uncured, to form a desired 3D part.

Abstract: In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a system for forming a three dimensional (3D) object from a volume of photo-responsive material contained within a material container. A plurality of optical projection subsystems are adapted to be arranged circumferentially around a material container containing the volume of photo-responsive material, and are controlled by a controller. The optical projection subsystems direct optical projections at a plurality of angles ? through the volume of photo-responsive material. The optical projections are further directed about a z axis extending through the volume of photo-responsive material.

Abstract: An electronic control system is disclosed for controlling individually controllable elements of an external component. In one embodiment the system may include a state translator subsystem for receiving a state command from an external subsystem. The state translator subsystem may have at least one module for processing the state command and generating operational commands for controlling the elements to achieve a desired state or condition. A programmable calibration command translation layer (PCCTL) subsystem may be included which receives and uses the operational commands to generate granular level commands for controlling the elements. A feedback control layer subsystem may be included which applies the granular level commands to the elements, and further modifies the granular level commands as needed to control the elements in closed loop fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microelectromechanical device for mechanical characterization of a specimen. In one embodiment the device may incorporate a substrate, at least one first flexure bearing and at least one second flexure bearing, both being supported on the substrate. First and second movable shuttles may be used which are supported above the substrate by the flexure bearings so that each is free to move linearly relative to the substrate. Ends of the movable shuttles are separated by a gap. A thermal actuator may be connected to one end of the first movable shuttle, and operates to cause the first movable shuttle to move in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate in response to a signal applied to the thermal actuator. A first capacitive sensor may be formed between the first movable shuttle and the substrate, and a second capacitive sensor formed between the second movable shuttle and the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for performing an additive manufacturing operation to form a structure by processing a photopolymer resist material. The apparatus may incorporate a laser for generating a laser beam, and a tunable mask for receiving the laser beam which has an optically dispersive element. The mask splits the laser beam into a plurality of emergent beams each having a subplurality of beamlets of varying or identical intensity, with each beamlet emerging from a unique subsection of illuminated regions of the mask. A collimator collimates at least one of the emergent beams to form a collimated beam. One or more focusing elements focuses the collimated beam into a focused beam which is projected as a focused image plane on or within the resist material. The focused beam simultaneously illuminates a layer of the resist material to process an entire layer in a parallel fashion.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional (3D) object is disclosed. The method may involve providing a volume of photo-curable resin contained within an optically transparent resin container, and simultaneously directing optical projections from an optical subsystem at a plurality of angles ? through the volume of photo-curable resin. The optical beams are directed about a z axis extending through the volume of photo-curable resin. Each of the projections is provided with a calculated 2D spatial intensity function which creates a 3D intensity map. The projections act over a fixed temporal exposure period, during which the net exposure dose is sufficient to cure select portions of the volume of photo-curable resin, and to leave other portions uncured, to form a desired 3D part.