Patents by Inventor Wolfgang Laib

Wolfgang Laib 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).

  • Publication number: 20230256512
    Abstract: A substrate plate for an interchangeable container that can be inserted into an apparatus for layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of a pulverulent build material for producing a three-dimensional object is provided. The substrate plate includes a surface on which the three-dimensional object is built, and a connection interface situated opposite to the surface. A transmission element is capable of being connected to the connection interface. At least one actuator is capable of being connected in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner to the substrate plate or to the transmission element fastened to the substrate plate. The at least one actuator is capable of being excited to oscillate by a generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Giek, Wolfgang Laib
  • Publication number: 20230256517
    Abstract: A container arrangement of an unpacking device for a manufacturing device for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component is provided. The container arrangement includes a construction container with a construction chamber, and a collecting container that is releasably connected to the construction container and has a collecting chamber. The construction container has a container cover that, in the closed state, seals off the construction chamber and an inert atmosphere located therein from the surroundings. A collecting-container-side part of an interior of the container arrangement is provided inside the container arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Giek, Wolfgang Laib, Christos Ispikoudis, Manuel Geng
  • Patent number: 11285542
    Abstract: Described are devices and methods for unpacking a three-dimensional object, manufactured in a swap container by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of a powdery structural material, from the structural material that surrounds the object and has remained unsolidified, comprising a turning device that rotates the swap container from an upright position into an unloading position for discharging the unsolidified structural material, wherein the turning device comprises a drive unit by which the three-dimensional object is displaceable into a removal position relative to the swap container), following the unpacking of the unsolidified structural material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Andreas Margolf, Ben Haugk, Christopher Mimra, Daniel Giek
  • Publication number: 20220080505
    Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods for processing powder suitable for laser melting, with at least one component that is or comes into contact with the powder and to which an inert gas is fed. The systems include a central inert gas distributor, which can be connected or is connected to an inert gas source and to which the at least one component is connected by way of an activatable valve, an oxygen sensor in the at least one component, and a controller, which activates the valve on the basis of measurement data of the oxygen sensor. As an alternative or in addition to the central inert gas distributor, the system can have a data processing unit, which records and evaluates the measurement data of the oxygen sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Daniel Giek
  • Patent number: 10792722
    Abstract: A tool includes first and second tool parts that move toward one another, at least one processing device provided on the first tool part, and at least two counter devices provided on the second tool part. The processing device and the counter devices are rotatable relative to one another about at least one positioning axis, and the counter devices are aligned relative to one another along a direction of relative rotational movement of the processing device and the counter devices. The processing device and a first counter device are allocated to one another by at least a first defined processing parameter, and the processing device and a second counter device are allocated to one another by at least a second defined processing parameter. The first processing parameter is different than the second processing parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Rainer Hank, Martin Steiner, Martin Decker, Carl Peterhansel
  • Publication number: 20200038960
    Abstract: Described are devices and methods for unpacking a three-dimensional object, manufactured in a swap container by layer-by-layer application and selective solidification of a powdery structural material, from the structural material that surrounds the object and has remained unsolidified, comprising a turning device that rotates the swap container from an upright position into an unloading position for discharging the unsolidified structural material, wherein the turning device comprises a drive unit by which the three-dimensional object is displaceable into a removal position relative to the swap container), following the unpacking of the unsolidified structural material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Andreas Margolf, Ben Haugk, Christopher Mimra, Daniel Giek
  • Patent number: 10046375
    Abstract: In some aspects of the invention, tool components for processing of plate-like workpieces, the tool component include an end face adjoined by a tool region provided for regrinding, the tool region being configured to undergo regrinding as a result of wear; and at least one identification mark located on the tool component to indicate the amount of shortening of the tool region as a result of regrinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib, Arnim Bruechle, Markus Hees, Yakup Coskun
  • Publication number: 20180078989
    Abstract: A tool includes first and second tool parts that move toward one another, at least one processing device provided on the first tool part, and at least two counter devices provided on the second tool part. The processing device and the counter devices are rotatable relative to one another about at least one positioning axis, and the counter devices are aligned relative to one another along a direction of relative rotational movement of the processing device and the counter devices. The processing device and a first counter device are allocated to one another by at least a first defined processing parameter, and the processing device and a second counter device are allocated to one another by at least a second defined processing parameter. The first processing parameter is different than the second processing parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Rainer Hank, Martin Steiner, Martin Decker, Carl Peterhansel
  • Patent number: 9908254
    Abstract: A tool system is provided that has a stamp or punch adapter including eccentrically positioned stamp receptacles. This system permits a simple exchange of tool inserts in the stamp adapter. These tool inserts are also usable in another tool system. The system also permits combining the stamp adapter with a stamp shaft, which can also be used in another tool system. These features permit stamping (and punching) with minimal tooling and retooling efforts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 9839953
    Abstract: A tool includes first and second tool parts that move toward one another, at least one processing device provided on the first tool part, and at least two counter devices provided on the second tool part. The processing device and the counter devices are rotatable relative to one another about at least one positioning axis, and the counter devices are aligned relative to one another along a direction of relative rotational movement of the processing device and the counter devices. The processing device and a first counter device are allocated to one another by at least a first defined processing parameter, and the processing device and a second counter device are allocated to one another by at least a second defined processing parameter. The first processing parameter is different than the second processing parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Rainer Hank, Martin Steiner, Martin Decker, Carl Peterhansel
  • Patent number: 9573182
    Abstract: A method includes removing material from a die and thereby changing a location of a cutting edge of the die in a punch entry direction and changing a cutting edge cross-section of the die; and assigning a punch and/or a workpiece thickness to the die based, at least in part, on the change in the cutting edge cross-section of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 9550307
    Abstract: A method of discharging workpieces cut from a planar material on a processing machine. A workpiece discharge device has several holding elements to receive and carry respective workpieces. After receiving a cut workpiece, the discharge device is moved to a waiting position outside and adjacent a processing region of the machine, and may then be moved back into the processing region to receive a subsequently cut workpiece before being moved to an unloading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Stefan Kerscher, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 9446442
    Abstract: Machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces by punching include a punching tool including a punch and a punching die, a drive unit for moving the punch and the punching die relative to each other along a stroke axis for cutting a workpiece part free from a plate-like workpiece, a hold-down device that is movable along the stroke axis and that includes a stripper that contacts an upper surface of the plate-like workpiece while the plate-like workpiece is punched through by the punch, a detection device for detecting a reference position of the hold-down device along the stroke axis, wherein the stripper contacts the upper surface of the workpiece at the reference position, and a numerical control unit for positioning the stripper at a particular distance from the reference position such that a workpiece part that has been cut off can be moved away from a processing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Reiter, Wolfgang Laib, Stefan Buettner
  • Publication number: 20160052040
    Abstract: Machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces by punching include a punching tool including a punch and a punching die, a drive unit for moving the punch and the punching die relative to each other along a stroke axis for cutting a workpiece part free from a plate-like workpiece, a hold-down device that is movable along the stroke axis and that includes a stripper that contacts an upper surface of the plate-like workpiece while the plate-like workpiece is punched through by the punch, a detection device for detecting a reference position of the hold-down device along the stroke axis, wherein the stripper contacts the upper surface of the workpiece at the reference position, and a numerical control unit for positioning the stripper at a particular distance from the reference position such that a workpiece part that has been cut off can be moved away from a processing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Tobias Reiter, Wolfgang Laib, Stefan Buettner
  • Patent number: 9205481
    Abstract: Machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces by punching include a punching tool including a punch and a punching die, a drive unit for moving the punch and the punching die relative to each other along a stroke axis for cutting a workpiece part free from a plate-like workpiece, a hold-down device that is movable along the stroke axis and that includes a stripper that contacts an upper surface of the plate-like workpiece while the plate-like workpiece is punched through by the punch, a detection device for detecting a reference position of the hold-down device along the stroke axis, wherein the stripper contacts the upper surface of the workpiece at the reference position, and a numerical control unit for positioning the stripper at a particular distance from the reference position such that a workpiece part that has been cut off can be moved away from a processing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Reiter, Wolfgang Laib, Stefan Buettner
  • Patent number: 9168579
    Abstract: In some aspects of the invention, a punching tool includes a punching stamp including a stamp shaft and an axial stop; and an adjustment ring having a center opening configured to receive the stamp shaft and abut the axial stop, where a first mark is located along a cylindrical portion of the stamp shaft adjoining the axial stop, and at least a portion of the first mark remains visible when the adjustment ring is abutted against the axial stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 8887366
    Abstract: Methods and related computer program products for processing a workpiece on a machine tool, including changing at least one control parameter of the machine tool based on a quantity of waste and/or good components discharged from the machine tool during processing of the workpiece, the at least one control parameter causing a change of at least one waste and/or good component container of the machine tool, wherein the quantity of waste and/or good components generated as a function of time during processing of the workpiece is determined before processing of the workpiece begins, and is stored in a numerical control program of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Wolfgang Laib, Ignazio Spagnuolo
  • Publication number: 20140290453
    Abstract: A method of discharging workpieces cut from a planar material on a processing machine. A workpiece discharge device has several holding elements to receive and carry respective workpieces. After receiving a cut workpiece, the discharge device is moved to a waiting position outside and adjacent a processing region of the machine, and may then be moved back into the processing region to receive a subsequently cut workpiece before being moved to an unloading station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Buettner, Stefan Kerschner, Wolfgang Laib
  • Publication number: 20140202298
    Abstract: A method includes removing material from a die and thereby changing a location of a cutting edge of the die in a punch entry direction and changing a cutting edge cross-section of the die; and assigning a punch and/or a workpiece thickness to the die based, at least in part, on the change in the cutting edge cross-section of the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 8701532
    Abstract: A method includes removing material from a die and thereby changing a location of a cutting edge of the die in a punch entry direction and changing a cutting edge cross-section of the die; and assigning a punch and/or a workpiece thickness to the die based, at least in part, on the change in the cutting edge cross-section of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Laib