Patents by Inventor Zijian Weng

Zijian Weng 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).

  • Patent number: 12145316
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a three-dimensional structure from a binder-free powder. A corona discharge (plasma) generator forms a controllable electric field, positioning the binder-free powder within the influence of the electric field generated by the corona discharge generator, and activating the corona discharge generator to attract the binder-free powder into a three-dimensional structure. The corona discharge generator includes a grounded bottom substrate and a top substrate elevated above the bottom substrate in a substantially parallel planar orientation. The binder-free powder is placed in the interstitial space between the bottom substrate and the top substrate. An electrode above the top substrate, in electrical communication with the bottom substrate and coupled to a voltage power supply, creates the electrical field. The resulting three-dimensional structure is formed far more rapidly than known additive manufacturing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Ying Zhong, Zijian Weng