Abstract: A 3D metal printing machine or apparatus includes a welder that deposits one or more layers of metal, and a powered cutting tool that may be utilized to remove a portion of the metal deposited by the welder after the metal has solidified. Numerous layers of metal can be deposited and machined to form complex 3D metal parts. During fabrication, a part may be formed on a support whereby the part can be fabricated by welding and machining operations without removing the part from the support. A 3D CAD model of a part may be utilized to generate code that controls the 3D metal printing apparatus. A measuring device such as a probe or laser scanner may be utilized to measure the shape/size of parts in the 3D metal printing machine.

Abstract: A 3D metal printing machine or apparatus includes a welder that deposits one or more layers of metal, and a powered cutting tool that may be utilized to remove a portion of the metal deposited by the welder after the metal has solidified. Numerous layers of metal can be deposited and machined to form complex 3D metal parts. During fabrication, a part may be formed on a support whereby the part can be fabricated by welding and machining operations without removing the part from the support. A 3D CAD model of a part may be utilized to generate code that controls the 3D metal printing apparatus. A measuring device such as a probe or laser scanner may be utilized to measure the shape/size of parts in the 3D metal printing machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a material supply device includes: a reservoir defined at least in part by a exterior wall, the wall having an elongated opening therein; an elongated surface close to and extending along the opening in the exterior wall of the reservoir, the surface movable relative to the wall; and a means for moving material directly from the reservoir to the surface through the slot.

Abstract: A low mass device is disclosed. The low mass device includes a body member defining a surface and a retroreflective pattern formed in the surface of the body member.

Abstract: A method of sensing dynamics associated with a device is disclosed. The method includes using at least one micro-machined electromechanical systems (MEMS) storage element of a memory module of the device as a motion sensor to detect motion associated with the device. The method further includes processing data output from the MEMS storage element to determine information relating to the dynamics of the device.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a moveable mass supported within a frame. To support the mass within the frame, a first flexure extends between the mass and the frame. An angle softening element is positioned between a first end of the first flexure and the frame to allow angular movement of the first flexure.