Patents Issued in October 1, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200307082
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes a melting section configured to melt a material to generate a shaping material, a supply flow channel through which the shaping material flows, a nozzle configured to eject the shaping material, an ejection amount control mechanism configured to control a flow amount of the shaping material to be ejected from the nozzle, a branch flow channel branched from a first partial flow channel as a flow channel between the melting section and the ejection amount control mechanism out of the supply flow channel, and communicated with a second partial flow channel as a flow channel between the ejection amount control mechanism and the nozzle out of the supply flow channel, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the shaping material in the second partial flow channel to the first partial flow channel via the branch flow channel, and a control section configured to control the ejection amount control mechanism and the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei YUWAKI, Koichi SAITO
  • Publication number: 20200307083
    Abstract: The disclosure is of and includes at least an apparatus, system and method for a print head for additive manufacturing. The apparatus, system and method may include at least two proximate hobs suitable to receive and extrude therebetween a print material filament for the additive manufacturing, each of the two hobs comprising two halves, wherein each of the hob halves comprises teeth that are offset with respect to the teeth of the opposing hob half; a motor capable of imparting a rotation to at least one of the two hobs, wherein the extrusion results from the rotation; and an interface to a hot end capable of outputting the print material filament after at least partial liquification to perform the additive manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: William J. MacNeish, III, Erik Gjovik
  • Publication number: 20200307084
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a rotating body including therein a space defined by an inner circumferential surface, a rotation drive unit causing the rotating body to rotate, a supply unit supplying slurry containing ultraviolet light curable resin to the inner circumferential surface, a first drive unit causing the supply unit to move in a radial direction of the rotating body, a flattening unit located downstream of the supply unit and flattening the slurry supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating body at an end portion thereof during rotation of the rotating body to a thickness of one layer, a second drive unit causing the flattening unit to move along the radial direction of the rotating body, and an irradiation unit provided downstream of the flattening unit and spot-radiating ultraviolet light at an irradiation position determined based on a shape of the molded object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji KAJITA, Kazuya KOJIMA, Takaya NAKANE
  • Publication number: 20200307085
    Abstract: A device produces three-dimensional objects layer by layer in a powder bed fusion process. The device includes a building space, at least one energy source, a building area with a building space platform and a building space container laterally confining the building space platform. The building space platform has an upper side, facing a powder, and an underside, facing away from the powder. The upper side of the building space platform includes a material with a thermal conductivity of at least 20 W/(m.K) and the underside of the building space platform includes a material with a thermal conductivity of a maximum of 0.5 W/(m·K), The contact surface of the upper side of the building space platform with respect to the powder or with respect to the cooling medium is raised by at least 20% in comparison with the planar surface of a building space platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Evonik Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Maik Grebe, Wolfgang Diekmann, Sigrid Hessel, Maximilian Gruhn
  • Publication number: 20200307086
    Abstract: In one example, an optical position sensing system includes a linear encoder strip, an optical limit switch having an actuator on the encoder strip to activate the limit switch, and an optical reader to read the encoder strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Groenenboom, Joshua Coder, Tait A. Regnier
  • Publication number: 20200307087
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to substrates for use in a selective toner electrophotographic process (STEP) additive manufacturing system. The substrates include a build platform for use in STEP additive manufacturing system, the build platform comprising a build substrate for receiving a build material deposited by a STEP process; wherein the platform has selected thermal properties, such as within 30 percent of the build material to be deposited onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Chris Counts, J. Samuel Batchelder
  • Publication number: 20200307088
    Abstract: A filament container for housing a spool of filament comprising a base and a lid that define an inner volume. The lid rotatably attached to the base and moveable between a closed position, wherein the inner volume is substantially sealed, and an open position, wherein the inner volume is accessible. First and second horizontal shafts are supported rotatably within the inner volume, parallel to and spaced from one another a distance, and rotatable about a respective longitudinal axis. The first and second horizontal shafts are adapted to support a spool of filament vertically within the inner volume and to allow the spool of filament to freely rotate about a horizontal axis that is parallel to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of each of the first and second horizontal shafts as filament is pulled from the spool and out of the filament container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Erik John Gjovik, Matthew Ross Mitchell, William Jack MacNeish, III
  • Publication number: 20200307089
    Abstract: A cartridge for a stereolithographic machine, includes a body, which in turn, includes a container, delimited by walls, having a bottom, and an opposite access opening allowing access inside the container, inlet and outlet mouths for a photopolymerisable material, at least one tank for same. The tank includes a transit opening for a photopolymerisable material and an air passage opening communicating with the environment; and includes: circulation means to circulate the photopolymerisable material between the outlet mouth and the inlet mouth of the container. Between the circulation means and the inlet and outlet mouths, and between the circulation means and the transit and air passage openings, valve means are interposed, configured to alternatively allow various circulation configurations of the cartridge, either preventing or allowing passage of photopolymerisable material between the container and the tank; or allowing the passage of material between the outlet and inlet mouths of the same container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: DWS s.r.l.
    Inventors: Ettore Maurizio COSTABEBER, Renzo BUSATO
  • Publication number: 20200307090
    Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided process and apparatus to use additives with the clear wetting agent to aid in detection of defective substrates or missing jets. For light colored substrates, dye can be used for darkening of the wetting agent to provide sufficient contrast for defect detection. For dark colored substrates, the dye could be a specific color that a sensor is tuned for. An additive that glows only in the presence of a specific wave length of light could be utilized for any color substrate. By comparing the detected pattern to the desired pattern, end product voids can be greatly reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marc D. DANIELS, Jeffrey W. DRAWE
  • Publication number: 20200307091
    Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus includes a barrel that is provided with a first through-hole along a first axis, a first screw in which a first groove portion having a spiral shape about a first axis is provided in a surface facing a barrel, a side wall having a cylindrical shape is provided along an outer peripheral edge of a surface facing a side opposite to the barrel, and a second through-hole is provided along the first axis, a second screw of which at least a part is disposed inside the side wall and a second groove portion having a spiral shape about the first axis is provided in a surface facing the barrel with the first screw interposed therebetween, and a drive unit that rotates the first screw and the second screw about the first axis by making angular velocity vectors thereof different from each other with respect to the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20200307092
    Abstract: A device for 3D printing and a control method thereof are provided. The device includes: a feeding pipe, where an opening extending along an axial direction of the feeding pipe is disposed on an outer wall of the feeding pipe; and a sleeve sleeved on the feeding pipe, where a discharge port in communication with the opening is disposed on an outer wall of the sleeve. Compared with a conventional design, the above device utilizes a sleeve to provide a discharge port and sleeves the sleeve and the feeding pipe together, thereby making the structure of the entire device more compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Weidong HUANG
  • Publication number: 20200307093
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes a melting section configured to melt a material to generate a shaping material, a supply flow channel which is communicated with the melting section, and through which the shaping material flows, a nozzle communicated with the supply flow channel and configured to eject the shaping material, an ejection amount control mechanism provided to the supply flow channel, and configured to control a flow amount of the shaping material to be ejected from the nozzle, a branch flow channel branched from a first partial flow channel as a flow channel between the melting section and the ejection amount control mechanism out of the supply flow channel, and communicated with a second partial flow channel as a flow channel between the ejection amount control mechanism and the nozzle out of the supply flow channel, and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the shaping material in the second partial flow channel to the first partial flow channel via the branch flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei YUWAKI, Koichi SAITO
  • Publication number: 20200307094
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retractable purging mechanism preferably comprised of a bracket that is connectable to a 3D printer. An actuatable shaft is secured to the bracket and the shaft engages a rocker arm, which in turn engages a collecting tray and moves the collecting tray from a first position to a second position. The collecting tray is adapted to receive a material that is discarded when, for example, a different print colour is used in 3D printing. A sweeper is also provided, the sweeper connected to the collecting tray to remove the material from the collecting tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher John Gibson
  • Publication number: 20200307095
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reclaiming unused powder in a composite-based additive manufacturing process. According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided process and apparatus that use a substrate layer frame inversion mechanism that can flip the substrate over 180 degrees. The excess powder will simply drop into a waste reclaim container for later reuse. An optional mechanical vibrator may be used to completely loosen any remaining powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marc D. DANIELS, Jeffrey W. DRAWE
  • Publication number: 20200307096
    Abstract: A repair system includes a scanning system configured for determining a contour of a void surface. The repair system also includes an additive manufacturing system configured for sequentially printing a plurality of individual layers each disposed on one another adjacent the void surface according to the contour. A method of repairing a substrate having a damaged portion defining a void and having the void surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Simonin, Robert N. Saje, Paul J. Wolcott
  • Publication number: 20200307097
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed to provide a guide for sand blasting a fiber-reinforced object. The proposed guide consist of three-dimensional (3D) features that will result in reflective ray-like protrusions that can be detected and displayed by Augmented Reality (AR) hardware including a head mounted display. The AR hardware determines a virtual object to be presented in a field of view, a position in the field of view, and a perspective of the virtual object in the field of view based on position information from the reflective ray-like protrusions. At least a portion of the sand blasting area is observable through the display and lens when the display is presenting the rendered virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marc D. DANIELS, Wayne A. BUCHAR
  • Publication number: 20200307098
    Abstract: Certain examples relate to encoding data into three-dimensional objects. In one case, a location of a set of terminals to be accessed on an outer surface of the object after fabrication is determined. A mapping between data to be encoded and an electrical property to be measured via a conductive coupling and an embedded electrical structure with the electrical property are determined. Control data is generated to instruct the fabrication of the object with the set of terminals and the embedded electrical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Zamorano, Mayid Shawi, Vicente Granados
  • Publication number: 20200307099
    Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided process and apparatus to analyze imaging problems including but not limited to detecting defects of an imaging substrate useful in a Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) process. Data from the at least one imaging sensor may be used to: compensate for irregularities in a substrate deposited layer; compensate for irregularities in the printed layer, such as missing jet correction; reject a layer, the layer being scrapped and re-printed; pause the print job so that maintenance or service may be performed; or provide traceability data for proof-of-work, forensic, diagnostic, or other purposes. Depending on system architecture and design goals, the imaging sensor may be employed prior to or subsequent to the deposition of a printed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Marc D. DANIELS, Jeffrey W. DRAWE
  • Publication number: 20200307100
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a support plate and a resin vessel. The support plate defines a central opening and an upper surface. The resin vessel is disposed upon the upper surface of the support plate and includes a substructure and a transparent sheet. The substructure includes a vertical wall and a tension ring that extends inwardly and downwardly from the vertical wall. The tension ring impinges downwardly upon an upper surface of the transparent sheet and tensions the transparent sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: David Sabo
  • Publication number: 20200307101
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a system for detecting defects in a printed construct includes one or more processors, one or more image sensors, and one or more memory modules. The one or more image sensors are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. Machine readable instructions are stored on the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to collect image data of a three-dimensional printed construct from the one or more image sensors, and detect one or more defects within the image data of the three-dimensional printed construct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Advanced Solutions Life Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Schultz, Jeremy Johnson, Robert Eli
  • Publication number: 20200307102
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in fabricating a custom vehicle. The system may include an additive manufacturing machine, and at least one computing device operatively connected to the additive manufacturing machine. The at least one computing device includes a memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to receive from a user a selection of available components that can be built into the custom vehicle, and to generate a unique model of the custom vehicle based on the selection. The processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to generate code associated with the unique model, and to direct the code to the additive manufacturing machine, causing the additive manufacturing machine to additively manufacture at least a portion of the custom vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: John Swallow, Ryan C. Stockett
  • Publication number: 20200307103
    Abstract: An apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects formed of selective consolidation of layers of a build material is provided. The apparatus may include a determination device configured to determine at least one parameter of the energy beam, wherein the determination device comprises at least one determination base body arranged in a beam guiding plane, wherein at least one surface parameter of a surface of the determination base body is defined dependent on a surface parameter of a specific build material arranged in a build plane in an additive manufacturing process performed on the apparatus. Determination devices and methods are also generally provided for determining at least one parameter of an energy beam of an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Jens Junge, MariaTheresia Scherr, Stephan Hunze
  • Publication number: 20200307104
    Abstract: An apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects formed of successive layerwise consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by an energy beam. The apparatus may include a determination device confirmed to determine at least one parameter of the energy beam for a specific build material, wherein the determination device comprises at least one determination base body arrangeable or arranged in a beam guiding plane, in particular a build plane; and a tempering unit confirmed to temper the determination base body. Determination devices, along with methods, are also provided for determining at least one parameter of an energy beam of an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Stephan Hunze, Jens Junge, MariaTheresia Scherr
  • Publication number: 20200307105
    Abstract: A procedural approach toward optical characterization of subsurface scattering of light to generate a mixture of optically opaque materials and optically transparent materials, with a scattering map projected from the surface toward the center of mass of a model. The resulting voxel slices communicate with an additive manufacturing printer, with the resulting model using a typical CMYK and white mixture, with the addition of transparency keyed to the alpha channel of the voxel slice texture maps, to create an accurate model. The resulting stack of textures have color values for the voxels at the surface that are extrapolated downward to the center of the mass from the surface normal, thereby creating a color and texture spectrum from the surface normal to the center of mass, to more accurately represent color and texture on a printed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: James Inziello
  • Publication number: 20200307106
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and/or methodologies are provided for three dimensional printing, for example, additive manufacturing, wherein an array of energy patterning (e.g., light patterning) modules are used in conjunction with an automated positional control system to coordinate impelementation of patterning modules of the array. Implementaion of the array can be controlled by a sensory feed-back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: David WALKER, Michael FLYNN, Jay VALDILLEZ
  • Publication number: 20200307107
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for additively manufacturing a component that includes placing a primary insert and a first support insert into corresponding indentations in a build plate of an additive manufacturing system, forming the component on the primary insert with the component having at least one overhang located above the first support insert, and forming a first support structure on the first support insert so as to be beneath the at least one overhang with the first support structure configured to support the at least one overhang. The method also includes, after the component has been formed, separating the primary insert from the first support insert such that the first support structure is separated from the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Madinger, Alexander Bosworth
  • Publication number: 20200307108
    Abstract: According to some aspects, techniques are described for generating support structures that may be easily removed after fabrication yet provide sufficient structural support during fabrication. In some cases, the techniques may include tuning an extent to which pillars of a support structure are interconnected to one another in regions proximate to the part. In some cases, the techniques may include fabricating very small contact structures, referred to herein as “hair” supports, in regions of a support structure where it connects with the part. In some cases, the techniques may include generating support structures that comprise obliquely-angled tips, which allow forces during fabrication to be applied in a preferred direction even when the support structure does not make a connection to the part in the preferred direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Formlabs, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin FrantzDale
  • Publication number: 20200307109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising isosorbide diglycidyl ether and a curing agent as a sacrificial support, to a sacrificial support comprising isosorbide repeating units, to methods for producing the sacrificial support of the invention and to uses of the sacrificial support of the invention for producing three-dimensional objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Paola Gherardi, Daniela Menozzi, Fabio Campanini, Ettore Fazio
  • Publication number: 20200307110
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a noise reduction vibration welding machine using frequency cancellation in which two synthetic resin products are fixed to an upper end jig and a lower end jig of the vibration welding machine and the target objects are welded by being melted and diffused while being subjected to the friction of lateral vibrations and pressed by the upper end jig according to a determined frequency and a determined amplitude, and which is capable of reducing noise generated during the work process, and more specifically, a frequency of noise generated due to vibrations during a work process is checked, and a noise analyzer, which generates a frequency with a reverse phase, outputs a cancellation sound through inner and outer speakers to cancel the corresponding frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: Young In BAEK
  • Publication number: 20200307111
    Abstract: A method for connecting components having a fibre-reinforced thermoplastic plastic includes provision of a first component with a first joining surface, provision of a second component with a second joining surface, flush placement of the first joining surface against the second joining surface in order to form a connection joint, placement of a friction stir welding tool against the connection joint, or a surface directly adjacent thereto, of at least one of the components, softening of the first component and the second component, in each case in a region adjacent to the connection joint, by rotation of the tool, such that the thermoplastic plastic of the two components locally fuses, and movement of the tool along the connection joint for the purposes of connecting the two components by formation of a fusion seam, wherein portions of reinforcement fibres are stirred in to increase the strength of the fusion seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Alexei Vichniakov, Jens Standfuss, Sebastian Schulze
  • Publication number: 20200307112
    Abstract: Regarding a laser welded body in which a laser transmissive/absorptive molding member containing a PBT-based material and a laser absorptive molding member containing a PBT-based material are integrated with each other by laser welding, the following laser welded body is proposed as a laser welded body in which a bond strength can be further increased. A laser welded body having a structure in which a member I and a member II are integrally bonded to each other, the member I contains 0.0005 to 5.0 parts by mass, with respect to 100 parts by mass of a polyester-based resin A, of a laser transmissive/absorptive coloring material capable of transmitting and absorbing laser beam, and the polyester-based resin A contains at least a polybutylene terephthalate copolymer resin, the member II contains 0.15 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro OKA, Yuki HIWATASHI, Yasushi YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20200307113
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of connecting together two unit elements (4, 4?) of a fluid transport pipe, each unit pipe element being made of metal alloy and being covered in an outer insulating coating (6, 6?) made of a thermoplastic material, with the exception of an end portion that does not have an outer insulating coating, the method comprising a step of butt-welding together two unit pipe elements at their end portions having no outer insulating coating, a step of mechanically assembling at least two rigid shells (14, 16) made of a thermoplastic material on the end portions of the unit pipe elements not having an outer insulating coating, and a step of keeping the shells sealed against the outer insulating coating of the two unit pipe elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Giulio FATICA, Taoufik Majdoub
  • Publication number: 20200307114
    Abstract: A method for creating a honeycomb core having venting pathways includes controlling where a resin is applied to sheets by creating a resin affinity portion and a resin repellant portion on the sheets. The resin affinity portion and the resin repellant portion forms the venting pathways. A honeycomb substrate is then formed from the sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: John C. Wilde, Xiaoxi Wang, Jason W. Drexler
  • Publication number: 20200307115
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a joined body, each of which provides satisfactory molding processability and can achieve both a satisfactory appearance and joining strength at a joining portion. The method of manufacturing a joined body includes injecting a thermoplastic elastomer, after melting of the thermoplastic elastomer, into a mold in which a molded body (I) is placed, to thereby integrate a molded body (II) derived from the thermoplastic elastomer and the molded body (I) with each other, the molded body (I) containing a filler, the filler having an arithmetic average particle diameter of from 1 ?m to 5 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: JSR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato KOBAYASHI, Kentarou KANAE
  • Publication number: 20200307116
    Abstract: A method of aligning a first and a second structure, the first structure comprising one or more first surface relief features and a channel system communicating with a surface of the first structure at one or more of the first surface relief features, the second structure comprising one or more second surface relief features shaped complementarily to the first surface relief features; the method comprising: generating suction in the channel system to draw the first and second structures together in a drawing direction; wherein, when the first and second structures are drawn together, the interaction between one or more of the first surface relief features and one or more of the second surface relief features aligns the structures in a plane perpendicular to the drawing direction such that the first and second surface relief features mate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: ROADMap Systems Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Wilkinson, Daping Chu
  • Publication number: 20200307117
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an optical film attachment system which is connected to a downstream device and includes a panel conveyance path, the optical film attachment system including: a connection unit which connects the panel conveyance path and the downstream device and conveys the panel; a first inspection unit which is positioned on the panel conveyance path and finds out whether the panel with the attached optical film has a defect; and a second inspection unit which is positioned at a position spaced apart from the panel conveyance path and re-inspects a defect-determined panel determined as a defective panel by inspection by the first inspection unit; in which the connection unit includes a main conveyance path in which a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit are sequentially arranged in a conveyance direction of the panel conveyance path, a first auxiliary conveyance path which connects the first conveyance unit and the second inspection unit and is bypassed
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Beom Seok Lee, Ju Young Jeoung, Kyoung Sik Kim, Hang Suk Choi, Eung Jin Jang
  • Publication number: 20200307118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable structure comprises a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. The inflatable structure is provided with one or more folding lines defining the inflatable structure into two or more interconnected chambers, the one or more folding lines comprising coupling means coupling the first layer to the second layer. Dimensions of the one or more folding lines and/or coupling means are adapted to enable the inflatable structure to in both the deflated state and the inflated state be foldable along the one or more folding lines. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a foldable inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Erik HJERPE, Nathan NUZZO
  • Publication number: 20200307119
    Abstract: Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having high interlaminar lap shear strength between component fiber plies or fiber layers, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The high lap shear strength, low backface signature composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS YIU-TAI TAM, BRIAN WARING, HENRY GERARD ARDIFF, BRADLEY GRUNDEN, DAVID A. HURST, JOHN ARMSTRONG YOUNG, RALF KLEIN, BRIAN DUANE ARVIDSON
  • Publication number: 20200307120
    Abstract: A shaping system is provided and includes: a shaping executing part configured to execute shaping of a three-dimensional object and including multiple inkjet heads that respectively discharge ink droplets of colors different from each other; and a shaping controlling part configured to control an operation of the shaping executing part. The shaping controlling part accepts a designation of a shaping color being a color of the three-dimensional object to be shaped based on a shaping data from an user, and causes the shaping executing part to shape the three-dimensional object so that at least an outer appearance of the three-dimensional object is colored in the shaping color which is designated. The shaping executing part shapes the three-dimensional object according to a control by the shaping controlling part, and colors at least an outer appearance of the three-dimensional object in the shaping color designated by the user using multiple inkjet heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hakkaku, Hiroyoshi Ohi
  • Publication number: 20200307121
    Abstract: A system for peen-forming of thermoplastic composite material is provided. The system includes a tool, a heater, and a peen-forming device. The thermoplastic composite material is positioned on the tool, which supports the thermoplastic composite material as it is being process. The tool has a surface to which a portion of the thermoplastic composite material is intended to conform. The heater is configured to heat the thermoplastic composite material while it is positioned on the tool to make the thermoplastic composite material more malleable. The peen-forming device directs particles against the thermoplastic composite material positioned on the tool so that the portion of the thermoplastic composite material conforms to the surface of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20200307122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic matrix and a fibrous material impregnated with the thermoplastic matrix, wherein the fibrous material comprises carbon fibers with a weight average aspect ratio of length divided by diameter (L/D) of at least 500; the thermoplastic matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymer and a laser absorbing additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Pim Gerard Anton JANSSEN, Marc Rudolf Stefan HUISMAN, Giacomo PERFETTI
  • Publication number: 20200307123
    Abstract: Impregnated veil and compression molding process of reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated continuous and discontinuous thermoset and thermoplastic materials. Veils are incorporated within the process, filming or laminating stages of the pre-pregging, either hotmelt or solvent based processes, in a variety of chosen resins. The veils help to improve visual part quality, reduce fiber splitting, and provide an isolating material in applications where incompatible materials must exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: John A. Ingram, David A. Calder, Daniel P. McNulty, Paul A. Trudeau, Henry E. Moore
  • Publication number: 20200307124
    Abstract: An automated fiber-placement method comprises delivering a first quantity of pulsed energy to first portions of at least one fiber-reinforced tape strip, and delivering a second quantity of pulsed energy to second portions of at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip, alternating with the first portions. Each one of the second portions at least partially overlaps two adjacent ones of the first portions such that overlapping regions of the first portions and the second portions have a higher temperature than non-overlapping regions of the first portions and the second portions. The automated fiber-placement method further comprises laying down at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip against a substrate along a virtual curvilinear path, such that (i) at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip is centered on the virtual curvilinear path, and (ii) the overlapping regions are transformed into discrete tape-regions, geometrically different from the overlapping regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Brice A. Johnson, Sayata Ghose, Kevin F. Malik
  • Publication number: 20200307125
    Abstract: An article of manufacture (200) comprises a strip (202) that extends along and is centered on a virtual curvilinear path (128), comprising an arc (156), having an arc length (154) and a radius (134). A ratio of the strip-width (208) to the radius (134) is greater than or equal to 0.003. The arc length (154) is equal to or greater than a product of the radius (134) and ?/64. Within each of discrete strip-regions (222) of the strip (202), one of the unidirectional reinforcement fibers (132) that is closest to the first longitudinal strip-edge (204) is more buckled than another one of the unidirectional reinforcement fibers (132) that is closest to the second longitudinal strip-edge (206). Ones of the unidirectional reinforcement fibers (132) that are buckled are parallel to a smallest one of virtual surfaces, joining the first longitudinal strip-edge (204) and the second longitudinal strip-edge (206).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Brice A. Johnson, Sayata Ghose, Kevin F. Malik
  • Publication number: 20200307126
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes heating a female die having a receptacle and a complementary male die, heating an extruder above a melting point of a thermoplastic within chopped prepreg fiber, in order to melt chopped prepreg fiber disposed within the extruder, extruding the chopped prepreg fiber from the extruder into the receptacle of the female die while the chopped prepreg fiber remains molten, pressing the male die into the female die, causing the molten chopped prepreg fiber to fully enter receptacle, and cooling the chopped prepreg fiber in the receptacle of the female die to form a composite part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Adriana Willempje Blom-Schieber, Jack Schieber
  • Publication number: 20200307127
    Abstract: A method for producing a pultruded article includes: a step in which an activation sheet having a sliding surface capable of sliding with the inner surface of a mold is arranged on the surface of an intermediate molded article comprising reinforcing fibers that are impregnated with a thermosetting resin and the intermediate molded article and the activation sheet are introduced into a mold together; and a step in which a pultruded article generated by heating and hardening the intermediate molded article in the mold is pultruded together with the activation sheet from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shunichi MORISHIMA, Toshio KOZASA, Masatake HATANO, Kazuaki KISHIMOTO, Yukio TAKEUCHI, Masayuki YAMASHITA, Hitoshi OJIKA
  • Publication number: 20200307128
    Abstract: An automated fiber-placement method (300) comprises delivering a first quantity of pulsed energy (122) to first discrete portions (124) of at least one fiber-reinforced tape strip (104), and delivering a second quantity of pulsed energy (123) to second discrete portions (125) of at least the one fiber-reinforced tape strip (104), alternating with the first discrete portions (124). The first quantity of pulsed energy (122) heats the first discrete portions (124) to a first temperature. The second quantity of pulsed energy (123) heats the second discrete portions (125) to a second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Brice A. Johnson, Sayata Ghose, Kevin F. Malik
  • Publication number: 20200307129
    Abstract: The present application relates to a tire repairing system, comprising: an inflation device including an inflation housing and a motor; and a sealant container having a container housing, an air outlet of the inflation device can be connected to an air inlet of the sealant container, wherein the inflation housing is able to connect to the container housing in such a way that the container housing acts as a pedestal and the inflation housing is arranged on the container housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kong Fung Lam, Wai Kwong Ching
  • Publication number: 20200307130
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing photoabsorbing contact lenses and photoabsorbing contact lenses produced thereby. The method comprises: (a) providing a mold assembly comprised of a base curve and a front curve, the base curve and the front curve defining and enclosing a cavity therebetween, the cavity containing a reactive mixture, wherein the reactive mixture comprises at least one polymerizable monomer, a photoinitiator which absorbs at an activating wavelength, and a photoabsorbing compound which displays absorption at the activating wavelength; and (b) curing the reactive mixture to form the photoabsorbing contact lens by exposing the reactive mixture to radiation that includes the activating wavelength, wherein the radiation is directed at both the base curve and the front curve of the mold assembly, and wherein the radiation's radiant energy at the base curve is greater than the radiation's radiant energy at the front curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Aitken, Jeffrey D. Caltrider, Leilani K. Sonoda, Robert MacDonald Smith, Donnie J. Duis
  • Publication number: 20200307131
    Abstract: A method of producing a photochromic resin body includes a first step, a second step and a third step. In the first step, a sublimable photochromic dye having sublimability is applied to a base body so as to obtain a function-adding base body. In the second step, the function-adding base body obtained in the first step is set to face a resin body, the function-adding base body is heated to sublimate the sublimable photochromic dye applied to the function-adding base body, and the sublimable photochromic dye is deposited on the resin body. In the third step, the resin body on which the sublimable photochromic dye is deposited in the second step is heated to fix the sublimable photochromic dye on the resin body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru INUZUKA, Koji Abe, Takahisa Shibamoto