Abstract: Applied within an automated robotic manufacturing system that includes additive manufacturing capabilities, methods and enabling devices are disclosed for achieving precise multi-dimension positional alignment among a plurality of diverse took that are involved in collaboratively constructing a solid object. The enabling devices according to various embodiments include an automatically deployed contact sensing probe and a tool center point sensor that detects contact with tools in multiple axes. At least one disclosed method advantageously utilizes both sensing devices in complement.

Abstract: Applied within an automated robotic manufacturing system that includes additive manufacturing capabilities, methods and enabling devices are disclosed for achieving precise multi-dimension positional alignment among a plurality of diverse tools that are involved in collaboratively constructing a solid object. The enabling devices according to various embodiments include an automatically deployed contact sensing probe and a tool center point sensor that detects contact with tools in multiple axes. At least one disclosed method advantageously utilizes both sensing devices in complement.

Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed having a rigid frame and a concavity for accepting items to be clamped together, a clamping action upon items entering into the concavity being facilitated by a contacting member in conjunction with a force-maintaining member and a displacement-limiting element to readily accommodate a range of clamped item dimensions without requiring separate opening or tightening adjustments to be performed by a user while applying the clamping device.

Abstract: The present invention is a network-based system and method for providing a centrally controlled single source location for storing electronic data (including but not limited to part information such as Computer Aided Designed [CAD] solid models, associated textual data, images, mathematical algorithms, and links to associative websites) to be accessed by users creating various products/designs using various application programs. The system includes a central computer system and a plurality of user computer systems coupled to a network. The central computer system stores a plurality of computer solid models. From a user computer system, a user accesses an application program run by the central computer system in order to search and retrieve the stored data files (solid models).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a means for identifying recovered component parts of a destroyed assembly quickly and relatively easily using digital or electronic scanning techniques and comparison to virtual components that are presumed to have constituted the original assembly. The method also provides a means for digitally rigging the component parts in three-dimensional virtual space, thereby minimizing and, in some situations, possibly eliminating any need to physical rig the component parts.

Abstract: A process for generating one or more three-dimensional computer CAD solid models for a complex product. The process includes evaluating the complex product, and selecting one or more three-dimensional modeling methods for the components of the complex product based on the evaluation of the complex product. Three-dimensional digital CAD solid models are generated for the components based on the selected one or more methods. A common reference point is set for each of the generated three-dimensional digital CAD solid models. The generated three-dimensional digital CAD solid models are combined based on the set reference point to form a three-dimensional digital CAD solid model for the complex product.

Abstract: A method of forming prosthetic limbs is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of practicing the invention comprises the basic steps of scanning a portion of a residual limb on which a prosthetic device is to be attached, creating a digital representation of a socket portion of the prosthetic device using the scanned information, and creating the socket out of physical material using a digitally controlled layered manufacturing technique driven by the digital representation of the socket.

Abstract: A process for generating one or more three-dimensional computer CAD solid models for a complex product. The process includes evaluating the complex product, and selecting one or more three-dimensional modeling methods for the components of the complex product based on the evaluation of the complex product. Three-dimensional digital CAD solid models are generated for the components based on the selected one or more methods. A common reference point is set for each of the generated three-dimensional digital CAD solid models. The generated three-dimensional digital CAD solid models are combined based on the set reference point to form a three-dimensional digital CAD solid model for the complex product.

Abstract: The present invention is a network-based system and method for providing a centrally controlled single source location for storing electronic data (including but not limited to part information such as Computer Aided Designed [CAD] solid models, associated textual data, images, mathematical algorithms, and links to associative websites) to be accessed by users creating various products/designs using various application programs. The system includes a central computer system and a plurality of user computer systems coupled to a network. The central computer system stores a plurality of computer solid models. From a user computer system, a user accesses an application program run by the central computer system in order to search and retrieve the stored data files (solid models).