Patents by Inventor Scott G. VAAL

Scott G. VAAL 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: 20200276757
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Nicholas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Brian S. Smiddy, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10744709
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20200247048
    Abstract: A method of forming a part using additive manufacturing may include receiving, at a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, a computer aided design (CAD) model of the part. The method may further include dividing the CAD model into plurality of sections. The method may further include slicing each of the plurality of sections into a plurality of layers. Each section may include a distinct set of print parameters. The method may further include depositing a flowable material onto a worktable according the set of print parameters for each section of the of the plurality of sections to manufacture the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Nicolas C. Vote
  • Patent number: 10723074
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20200215749
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Brian S. Smiddy, John Fuquay, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10688719
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Nicolas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Brian S. Smiddy, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10668664
    Abstract: A method of forming a part using additive manufacturing may include receiving, at a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, a computer aided design (CAD) model of the part. The method may further include dividing the CAD model into plurality of sections. The method may further include slicing each of the plurality of sections into a plurality of layers. Each section may include a distinct set of print parameters. The method may further include depositing a flowable material onto a worktable according the set of print parameters for each section of the plurality of sections to manufacture the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Nicolas C. Vote
  • Publication number: 20200147876
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of forming a part using additive manufacturing may include receiving, at a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, a computer aided design (CAD) model of the part. The method may further include dividing the CAD model into plurality of sections. The method may further include slicing each of the plurality of sections into a plurality of layers. Each section may include a distinct set of print parameters. The method may further include depositing a flowable material onto a worktable according the set of print parameters for each section of the plurality of sections to manufacture the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal, Nicolas C. Vote
  • Publication number: 20200139615
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing methods. An exemplary method may include generating a tool path for forming a component via additive manufacturing, and assessing the tool path to identify a change in direction. The method may also include determining if the change in direction exceeds a predetermined angle, and adding a tangent arc to the tool path before the change in direction if the change in direction exceeds the predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20200086561
    Abstract: An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The extruder also may have a barrel and a screw within the barrel. The screw may have a diameter ranging between about 20 mm and about 150 mm and the barrel extends along a longitudinal axis. The system may include one or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the barrel. As the material passes through the barrel, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may further include a gear pump in fluid communication with the barrel for receiving the at least partially melted material. Additionally, the system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material. The system also may include a vertical worktable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation.
    Inventor: Scott G. VAAL
  • Publication number: 20200061905
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10500785
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing methods. An exemplary method may include generating a tool path for forming a component via additive manufacturing, and assessing the tool path to identify a change in direction. The method may also include determining if the change in direction exceeds a predetermined angle, and adding a tangent arc to the tool path before the change in direction if the change in direction exceeds the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10500788
    Abstract: An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The extruder also may have a barrel and a screw within the barrel. The screw may have a diameter ranging between about 20 mm and about 150 mm and the barrel extends along a longitudinal axis. The system may include one or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the barrel. As the material passes through the barrel, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may further include a gear pump in fluid communication with the barrel for receiving the at least partially melted material. Additionally, the system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material. The system also may include a vertical worktable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20190322044
    Abstract: A system for additive manufacturing includes a nozzle configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the nozzle is operably coupled to: an extruder having an outlet and including a screw disposed within a barrel, and a pump having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to the extruder, and the outlet is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The system also includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of the pump with respect to a speed of the screw to apply a target pressure at the outlet of the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Nicolas VOTE, Robert GAESSER, Brian S. SMIDDY, Scott G. VAAL
  • Patent number: 10449710
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Scott G. Vaal
  • Patent number: 10377124
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, the nozzle being configured to translate along a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. In one embodiment, the method includes actuating an extruder to form a flowable material, delivering the flowable material to a pump, sensing a pressure of the flowable material, and adjusting at least one of a speed of the extruder and a speed of the pump based on at least one of the sensed pressure and a rate of translation of the nozzle along one or more of the first, second, and third axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Nicolas Vote, Robert Gaesser, Scott G. Vaal
  • Publication number: 20190134900
    Abstract: An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The extruder also may have a barrel and a screw within the barrel. The screw may have a diameter ranging between about 20 mm and about 150 mm and the barrel extends along a longitudinal axis. The system may include one or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the barrel. As the material passes through the barrel, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may further include a gear pump in fluid communication with the barrel for receiving the at least partially melted material. Additionally, the system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material. The system also may include a vertical worktable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Scott G. VAAL
  • Publication number: 20190077081
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary additive manufacturing system may include an extruder, the extruder having an opening dimensioned to receive a material. The apparatus may also include an extruder output in fluid communication with the extruder, wherein the extruder output extends away from the extruder along a longitudinal axis. One or more heaters positioned along at least a portion of the extruder output may also be included, and, as the material passes through the extruder output, the one or more heaters may at least partially melt the material. The system may also include a gear pump in fluid communication with the extruder output for receiving the at least partially melted material, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the gear pump for depositing the at least partially melted material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. Vaal, Brian S. Smiddy, Jonathan I. Fuquay
  • Publication number: 20190077079
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to an additive manufacturing system, which may include a nozzle having an inlet for receiving a flowable material and an outlet for depositing the flowable material. An applicator head may surround at least a portion of a proximal region of the nozzle. The applicator head may include a housing, a cooling inlet for receiving a coolant into the housing, a cooling outlet configured to allow the coolant to exit the housing, and an air inlet. A roller may be mounted on the applicator head to one side of the outlet of the nozzle. The roller may include an air outlet, wherein a flow path connects the air inlet and the air outlet so that air enters the air inlet and exits the air outlet. The roller may also include a plurality of holes located on an external surface of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. VAAL, Brian S. SMIDDY
  • Publication number: 20180236722
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA, Scott G. VAAL