Patents by Inventor VISWANATH MEENAKSHISUNDARAM
VISWANATH MEENAKSHISUNDARAM 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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Publication number: 20240140043Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for additive manufacturing of objects are provided. In some embodiments, a device for supporting an object during an additive manufacturing process includes a build platform having a surface, and a plurality of support structures extending above the surface of the build platform. Each support structure can be configured to couple to a portion of an additively manufactured object. The device can also include a plurality of actuators, each actuator being configured to adjust a position of a corresponding support structure relative to the build platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Michael Christopher Cole, Brett E. Kelly, Bastien Pesenti, Masoumeh Pourali, Paul Hassell, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Peter Dorfinger
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Publication number: 20240123680Abstract: The present disclosure provides photo-polymerizable components, photo-curable resins comprising one or more of such monomers, as well as polymeric materials formed from the photo-curable resins. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Jennifer CHAVEZ, Michael Christopher COLE
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Patent number: 11945166Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects on a rotor, the plurality of additively manufactured objects having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects via the rotor. The method can further include applying energy to the plurality of additively manufactured objects to cure a portion of each additively manufactured object while the plurality of additively manufactured objects are on the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Publication number: 20240100775Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for additive manufacturing are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes: coupling a plurality of build platforms to a carrier; forming a plurality of 3D objects on the plurality of build platforms using an additive manufacturing process, where each build platform receives at least one 3D object thereon; removing the plurality of build platforms from the carrier; performing post-processing of the plurality of 3D objects while the 3D objects remain on the respective build platforms; and separating the plurality of 3D objects from the respective build platforms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Thomas Förster-Romswinckel, Robert Gmeiner, Otmar Martl, Oliver Kesel, Bernhard Busetti, Markus Kury, Michael Christopher Cole, Peter Dorfinger, Shawn Stromenger, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Lance Robert Pickens
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Publication number: 20230340203Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(amide imide) (PAI) precursor polymers which can for example be used in Vat photopolymerization processes like lithographic processes for the photofabrication of three-dimensional (3D) articles. The invention further relates to polymer compositions including these poly(amide imide) (PAI) precursor polymers. Still further, the invention relates to vat photopolymerization methods to form three-dimensional (3D) objects that incorporate the aforementioned polymer compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2021Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicants: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, LLC, VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Eduardo Soriano, Joel Pollino, Kermit S. Kwan, Clay Bradley Arrington, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Timothy Edward Long, Christopher Bryant Williams, Daniel Andrew Rau
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Publication number: 20230301752Abstract: A method for use in additively manufacturing an orthodontic aligner may include receiving a digital model of an aligner, processing the digital model of the aligner to modify the digital model based on predicted deviations during fabrication to generate a first updated digital model of the aligner, determining that whether the predicted deviations of a physical aligner additively manufactured based on the first updated digital model of the aligner are acceptable, and outputting the first updated digital model of the aligner for fabrication of the physical aligner by additive manufacture of the physical aligner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Yuxiang WANG, Yaser SHANJANI, Zhou (Jonelle) YU, Crystal TJHIA, Kangning SU, Manlio Fabio VALDIVIESO CASIQUE, Luyao CAI, Jun SATO, Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Siyi LIU, Pavel POKOTILOV, John DEWS-FLICK, Sudharshan ANANDAN
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Publication number: 20230264428Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for producing an additively manufactured object includes determining a viscosity of a curable material to be used to form the additively manufactured object. The method can include determining a temperature of the curable material, based on the viscosity. The method can further include adjusting one or more heat sources configured to heat the curable material, based on the temperature. The method can include applying energy to the curable material to form a portion of the additively manufactured object, after adjusting the one or more heat sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Paramjot Singh, Joanne L. Lee, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram
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Publication number: 20230264427Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for producing an additively manufactured object includes applying energy to a curable material according to a set of print parameters to form a cured material layer on a build platform or on an object on the build platform. The method can also include conveying remaining material away from the build platform. The method can further include detecting, via one or more sensors, that the remaining material includes a portion of the cured material layer that has separated from the build platform or from the object. The method can subsequently include determining an adjusted set of print parameters configured to improve adhesion of cured material to the build platform or to the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Paramjot Singh, Joanne L. Lee, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram
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Publication number: 20230235187Abstract: Polymer resins for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics are provided, in particular for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics with exception thermal stability and mechanical properties. In some aspects, the polymer resins are prepared by ring opening of an aromatic dianhydride with an alcohol containing an acrylate or methacrylate to produce a photocrosslinkable diacid monomer; conversion of the photocrosslinkable diacid monomer to a photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride; and polymerization of the photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride with an aromatic diamine to produce a photocrosslinkable precursor polymer. Upon crosslinking and drying, a thermal imidization can yield aromatic polyimide polymers with high yield and with micron-scale structural resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: MARUTI HEGDE, TIMOTHY E. LONG, VISWANATH MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, CHRISTOPHER B. WILLIAMS, NICHOLAS CHARTRAIN
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Publication number: 20230191702Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects on a rotor, the plurality of additively manufactured objects having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects via the rotor. The method can further include applying energy to the plurality of additively manufactured objects to cure a portion of each additively manufactured object while the plurality of additively manufactured objects are on the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Publication number: 20230150930Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to a polymer formulation for three-dimensionally (3D) printing an article by stereolithography, the formulation comprising a functionalized polymer. The invention further relates to lithographic methods to form 3D objects that incorporate the aforementioned polymer formulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicants: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, LLC, VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Joel Pollino, Kermit S. Kwan, Timothy Edward Long, Christopher Bryant Williams, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Cody Weyhrich
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Publication number: 20230137027Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The method can also include receiving sensor data indicative of a cleaning status of the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The method can further include adjusting, based on the sensor data, an operational parameter that enhances removal of the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Publication number: 20230133005Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of containers configured to receive a plurality of additively manufactured object having excess material thereon. The system can include a rotor having a central shaft and a plurality of arms, each arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of each arm can be coupled to the central shaft and a second end of each arm can be coupled to a respective container of the plurality of containers. The system can also include an actuator configured to spin the rotor so as to remove the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The system can further include at least one heat source carried on the rotor to heat the excess material to decrease a viscosity thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Publication number: 20230134234Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The method can also include adjusting an environmental temperature while rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects according to a dynamic temperature profile that facilitates removal of the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects. The dynamic temperature profile can include (a) a first temperature configured to decrease a viscosity of the excess material, and (b) a second temperature configured to increase a stiffness of the plurality of additively manufactured objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Publication number: 20230121648Abstract: A system includes a carrier film including an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to contact rollers. The system further includes a first blade configured to form a layer of resin on the outer surface of the carrier film. The system further includes a second blade configured to prevent printed features from contacting the first blade. The system further includes a build platform. A portion of the layer of resin is to be added to an object being formed on the build platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Peter Dorfinger, Umesh Upendra Choudhary, Michael Christopher Cole
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Publication number: 20230123480Abstract: A system includes a partial enclosure configured to hold resin. The system further includes one or more structures configured to at least partially cover the resin. The one or more structures are configured to prevent evaporation of the resin. The system further includes a build platform configured to support an object that is being formed from layers of the resin. A first blade is configured to provide the layers of the resin to form the object on the build platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Peter Dorfinger, Umesh Upendra Choudhary, Michael Christopher Cole
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Publication number: 20230118997Abstract: A system includes a build platform configured to support an object that is being formed from layers of resin. The system further includes one or more blades configured to provide the layers of resin to form the object on the build platform. At least a first blade of the one or more blades is configured to vibrate to reduce viscosity of the layers of resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Peter Dorfinger, Umesh Upendra Choudhary, Michael Christopher Cole
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Patent number: 11618832Abstract: Polymer resins for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics are provided, in particular for the vat photopolymerization of thermoplastics with exception thermal stability and mechanical properties. In some aspects, the polymer resins are prepared by ring opening of an aromatic dianhydride with an alcohol containing an acrylate or methacrylate to produce a photocrosslinkable diacid monomer; conversion of the photocrosslinkable diacid monomer to a photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride; and polymerization of the photocrosslinkable diacyl chloride with an aromatic diamine to produce a photocrosslinkable precursor polymer. Upon crosslinking and drying, a thermal imidization can yield aromatic polyimide polymers with high yield and with micron-scale structural resolution.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Maruti Hegde, Timothy E. Long, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Christopher B. Williams, Nicholas Chartrain
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Publication number: 20230038063Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Timothy E. LONG, Viswanath MEENAKSHISUNDARAM, Philip J. SCOTT, Christopher B. WILLIAMS
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Patent number: 11433601Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Timothy E. Long, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Philip J. Scott, Christopher B. Williams