Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing a radiation transparent build material carrier and a build material dispensing system that accurately controls the thickness of the transferred layer of solidifiable liquid build material to the radiation transparent build material carrier to achieve high resolution imaging in three-dimensional objects built using an electro-optical radiation source.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing a radiation transparent build material carrier and a build material dispensing system that accurately controls the thickness of the transferred layer of solidifiable liquid build material to the radiation transparent build material carrier to achieve high resolution imaging in three-dimensional objects built using an electro-optical radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inflating an inflatable web in which, in one embodiment, the inflatable web is conveyed along a path of travel with an inflation element positioned between unsealed edges of the web and proximate the inflation ports of the web's inflatable chambers, and a tracking sensor is used to detect the transverse position of the web with respect to the inflation element. A web tracking system is employed to continually adjust the transverse position of the web to maintain it within a predetermined range with respect to the inflation element. In this manner, the consistency of inflation of the inflatable chambers is improved.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build.

Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: An inflator/sealer machine useful for inflating and sealing an inflatable cushion having a resistance wire that extends across the inlet of the inflatable cushion. The machine includes an inflation tube, a seal bar, and an anvil. The inflation tube is connected to a source of inflation fluid and has an outlet that is larger than the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion. The inflation tube and anvil are adjustable between a tube/anvil engaged position and a tube/anvil disengaged position. In the tube/anvil engaged position, the inflation tube outlet opposes the anvil and can engage the inflation aperture of the inflatable cushion between the inflation tube and the anvil to inflate the cushion. The seal bar and the anvil are adjustable between a bar/anvil engaged position and a bar/anvil disengaged position. In the bar/anvil engaged position, the anvil opposes the seal bar to compress the inlet heat seal zone of the inflatable cushion between the anvil and the seal bar.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.