Patents by Inventor Thomas Almquist
Thomas Almquist 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).
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Patent number: 7077638Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Publication number: 20040075196Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J.L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Patent number: 6660209Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Patent number: 6508971Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Publication number: 20020011693Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J.L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Publication number: 20020008335Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J.L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Patent number: 6305769Abstract: A system and associated method for forming three-dimensional objects under computer control and from a material which may be rendered flowable and then dispensed on a layer-by-layer basis. The layers of the material solidify or otherwise physically transform upon being dispensed thereby forming successive cross-sections. The dispensing process is repeated whereby successive layers adhere to each other thereby forming the object.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Thayer, Thomas A. Almquist, Christian M. Merot, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Richard N. Leyden, Keith Denison, John S. Stockwell, Anthony L. Caruso, Michael S. Lockard
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Patent number: 6270335Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang
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Publication number: 20010003004Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 1999Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventors: RICHARD N. LEYDEN, JEFFREY S. THAYER, BRYAN J. L. BEDAL, THOMAS A. ALMQUIST, CHARLES W. HULL, JOCELYN M. EARL, THOMAS A. KEREKES, CHRISTIAN M. MEROT, RICHARD P. FEDCHENKO, MICHAEL S. LOCKARD, THOMAS H. PANG
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Patent number: 6224816Abstract: Tool having a molding surface is formed from a flowable material (e.g., powder material) wherein the shape of molding surface is formed from a molding process using a master pattern having a surface with a shape substantially the same as the shape of the molding surface to be formed. The tool has at least one thermal control element located within it and spaced from the molding surface where a component used in forming the thermal control element is located within the flowable material prior to solidifying the material. The powder material is preferably a mixture of metals. The thermal control elements include fluid flow paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas A. Almquist
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Patent number: 6193923Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Bryan J. L. Bedal, Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jocelyn M. Earl, Thomas A. Kerekes, Dennis R. Smalley, Christian M. Merot, Richard P. Fedchenko, Michael S. Lockard, Thomas H. Pang, Dinh Ton That
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Patent number: 6048487Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Borzo Modrek, Paul F. Jacobs, Charles W. Lewis, Adam L. Cohen, Stuart T. Spence, Hop D. Nguyen, Mark A. Lewis, Abraham Liran, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 6027682Abstract: The invention involves an improved system for producing a three-dimensional object by forming successive cross-sections of the object from a material which is normally solid but which may be made flowable, including using data manipulation for converting a three-dimensional object representation into cross-sectional representations.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5902537Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in building three-dimensional objects on substantially a cross-sectional basis including methods and apparatus for forming successive layers using counter-rotating rollers, ink jet recoaters, spinning members which sling material, applicator bars that dispense material via a meniscus and/or independently dispensed streams, and also including methods and apparatus to determine a preferred region over which to form a layer and to check for building errors.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Jeffrey S. Thayer, Richard N. Leyden, Paul F. Jacobs, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5891382Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: 3D System, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Borzo Modrek, Paul F. Jacobs, Charles W. Lewis, Adam L. Cohen, Stuart T. Spence, Hop D. Nguyen, Mark A. Lewis, Abraham Liran, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5776409Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1994Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5695707Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5676904Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5672312Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Dennis R. Smalley
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Patent number: 5651934Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Almquist, Charles W. Hull, Borzo Modrek, Paul F. Jacobs, Charles W. Lewis, Adam L. Cohen, Stuart T. Spence, Hop D. Nguyen