Patents Issued in May 14, 2024
  • Patent number: 11981035
    Abstract: A medical handling device comprises an instrument holder for holding an observation instrument that is equipped with an image capturing unit for capturing an image section. The handling device further comprises a robotic handling unit that supports the instrument holder and a control device that comprises a handling control unit for controlling the robotic handling unit and an instrument control unit for controlling the observation instrument. An input device is coupled to the control device for selecting an image section to be reproduced. The control device is adapted to control the robotic handling unit in response to user inputs at the input device to change the captured image section. The control device is adapted to convert operating commands at the input device into movement instructions, depending on a present orientation of the image capturing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Schrader, Benedikt Koehler, Chang-Hae Kim, Marco Schulze
  • Patent number: 11981036
    Abstract: A robot is configured to move in accordance with an operation instruction made by an operator via a network. The robot includes a moving image acquisition unit, a receiving unit, a movement destination predicting unit, and an autonomous control unit. The moving image acquisition unit is configured to capture, as a moving image, an environment around the robot. The receiving unit is configured to receive the operation instruction. The movement destination predicting unit is configured to predict a movement destination of the robot based on the operation instruction received by the receiving unit. The autonomous control unit is configured to autonomously correct movement to the movement destination in accordance with the operation instruction, based on information on the environment obtained from a moving image at an instant when the operation instruction is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Fumihiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11981037
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a positioning tool, a robotic arm system, and a surgical system. The positioning tool includes a body, a registration tip, and a trackable element. The body is used to connect with a terminal of a robotic arm at one end and connect to the registration tip at the other end. The registration tip is used to abut a predetermined position. The trackable element is to be disposed on the body, the registration tip or the robotic arm and is used to communicate with a navigation device. The positioning tool provided in present disclosure is an integrated registration tool, which is able to be used to accomplish registrations for both the robotic arm and the object without replacements of the registration tool during the entire registration process, thereby simplifing the operation and shortening the operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: SUZHOU MICROPORT ORTHOBOT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Li, Chao He, Zhou Jiang
  • Patent number: 11981039
    Abstract: A pocket knife includes a chassis and a blade having a retracted position in which the blade is inside the chassis and a deployed position in which at least a portion of the blade is outside of the chassis. A tang of the blade has first and second legs that extend from the tang to define a recess in the tang between the first and second legs. At least a portion of the chassis extends into the recess in the tang between the first and second legs when the blade is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Microtech Knives, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Louis Marfione
  • Patent number: 11981040
    Abstract: A double-sided razor is configured with connection mechanisms on opposite sides to engage with attachable and replaceable razor blades. In typical implementations, the razor may have a short side and a long side that respectively engage with relatively shorter and longer-sized razor blades. Users can use different-sized razor blades for different shaving scenarios. For example, the longer-sized razor blade may be used to shave the face, legs, chest, etc., whereas the short-side razor blade may be used to shave the user's upper lip, pubic and genital region, etc. The short-side razor blade may help the user shave more precisely and cautiously to prevent an unnecessary cut. A bottom side of the double-sided razor can have a lever that rotatably pivots from one side of the razor to the other so a guard can block the unused blades from cutting a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Hendrikus Didden
  • Patent number: 11981041
    Abstract: A cable measurement system and cutter apparatus has a housing, a display device, a material conduit, a rotary encoder, a cutting tool handle a resistance member a movable cutting blade and a blade aperture. The cutter system is able to measure the length of a cable that passes through the material conduit which traverses through the housing. The display device is mounted onto the housing and is coupled to the rotary encoder which measures the length of cable passed through the housing. The encoder is mounted next to the conduit so that the cable is measured, and the length is displayed on the display device. one end of the cutting tool handle is rotatably mounted to the housing and the movable blade is mounted onto the opposite end of the handle. The blade is able to cut the cable by moving through the blade aperture which traverses through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph David Barnes
  • Patent number: 11981042
    Abstract: A power pack for a power tool. The power pack includes an electric motor configured to drive a power tool. The power pack also includes a motor controller with a relay circuit communicating with the electric motor. The relay circuit has a switch that may be connected to a power supply, whereby the power supply powers the electric motor. The power pack also comprises non-transitory computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions for monitoring operation of the power pack. When executed by at least one processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor to: monitor input data relating to operation of the power pack; determine, based at least in part on the input data, that operation of the power pack deviated from an ideal state; and, based on the determination of deviation, cause the switch to electrically disconnect the electric motor from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Hantover, Inc.
    Inventors: Traig William Savage, Ronald J. Curnett, Jeremy S. Loy, Philip George Bright
  • Patent number: 11981043
    Abstract: A cutting device for cutting labels from a web of labelling material. The cutting device includes a first member rotatable having a blade and rotatable about a first axis, a second member rotatable about a second axis, and a cutting station. The second rotary member having a receiving portion to receive the blade, advancing the receiving portion around the second axis, and supporting the web. At the cutting station, the blade engages the receiving portion to cut the web covering one at a time the receiving portion. The second rotary member includes a first portion extending at a first distance from the second axis and comprising the receiving portion, and a second portion angularly spaced from the first portion and extending at a second distance from the second axis. The blade faces the first angular portion and the second angular portion alternately to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Salman Ayub
  • Patent number: 11981044
    Abstract: The shapeable hot scoop is required to remove material by cutting and scooping. It is necessary to change the shape of the scooping tool automatically. This invention proposes several mechanisms for changing shape of the scooping tool automatically. Method of detection & correction of cutting wire lag is also proposed in this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Viswesh Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11981045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an advance shaft transition apparatus for sheet processing equipment, which comprising: a plurality of advance shafts for feeding foils, the plurality of advance shafts being arranged along a horizontal direction; an advance shaft supporting frame, the advance shaft supporting frame supporting the ends of the advance shafts so that the advance shafts can freely rotate; and a lifting means, the lifting means is provided with a driving means and a transmission mechanism, the lifting means is connected to the advance shaft supporting frame to enable the advance shafts to move between a first position and a second position, at the first position, the advance shafts is operably rotated to feed the foil, and at the second position, the advance shafts being lifted up from the first position to leave a position where the foil can be fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Bobst (Shanghai) Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Rebeaud, Peicong Qi, Haoming Song
  • Patent number: 11981046
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting logs for processing on a sawmill having a log bed defining a log bed plane includes a first plate, a stationary jaw, and movable jaw. The first plate is configured to be fixedly mountable on a log bed of a sawmill, and configured to support a log to be cross-cut. The stationary jaw is fixedly supported on the plate. The movable jaw is supported on the plate, and is configured to move at least in part in a direction parallel to the log bed plane when the first plate is mounted on the log bed. The movable jaw and the stationary jaw are collectively configured to fixedly clamp a log on the first plate in a clamp interior such that a grain direction of the log is normal to the log bed plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: WOOD-MIZER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC
    Inventor: Stephanie N Wallace
  • Patent number: 11981047
    Abstract: Method of treating wood products to improve fire resistance thereof. The method comprises treating wet wood objects with compositions comprising an aqueous solution of bisphosphonate selected from 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid, an alkanol amine, and optionally an alkaline agent, the composition having a pH in the range of 4.0 to 7.0 to impregnate the object with the compositions, and subjecting the object so obtained to drying to achieve aspiration of the pits of the wood object. The method can be used for protecting wood not only against fire but also against mould, rot, blue stain, insect such as termite attacks on wood, dimensional changes, or a combination thereof due to environmental influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Palonot Oy
    Inventors: Jari Kukkonen, Timo Nissinen
  • Patent number: 11981048
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of a solid molded article comprising non-wood plant material, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing one or more fresh non-wood plant materials having a moisture content from 20% w/w to 99 w/w; (b) heating the fresh non-wood plant material at a temperature from 40° C. to 250° C., in particular, at a temperature from 60° C. to 140° C., and a pressure from 40 KPa to 750 KPa, in particular, for at least 0.5 h, maintaining the moisture content of the material equal to or higher than 20% w/w; (c) molding the heated material obtained in step (b); and (d) drying the molded material obtained in step (c). The invention also provides solid molded articles obtainable by the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: FELTWOOD ECOMATERIALES, S.L.
    Inventors: Aránzazu Yáñez-Barnuevo Malo, José Luis Diez Ferrer, Emiliano Bernués Del Río
  • Patent number: 11981049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the production of thermal insulating, architectural and structural foam materials cast in molded volumes configured for a subsequent milling process, wherein molded foam volumes are cut into dimensional products or product components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: David I. Jensen
  • Patent number: 11981050
    Abstract: The problem of wet-cast concrete products getting stuck in a flexible mold during demolding is solved, prior to demolding the wet-cast concrete products, by removing a vacuum on the flexible mold by moving at least one side edge of the flexible mold away from a part of the flexible mold that is adjacent to the at least one side edge in a direction opposite the open side of the flexible mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: Slab Innovation Inc., Les Pierres Royales
    Inventors: Benoit Slavinski, Maxime Chevrier, Ludovic Legendre, Dominique Vézina
  • Patent number: 11981051
    Abstract: An extruded part is formed by extrusion of at least one polymer melt, wherein the polymer melt or polymer melts has/have two melt fronts, which form two material inner edges of the extruded part when the polymer melt or polymer melts is/are in the solidified state; —the two material inner edges are integrally bonded to each other and define a linear binding seam of the extruded part. The binding seam is situated in a connection region of the extruded part; and—the extruded part has at least one fiber grid, which is situated in the connection region of the extruded part and is connected to the extruded part such that the fiber grid bridges the two material inner edges. The extruded part may be a part of a battery housing for a traction battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Weber Fibertech GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Wolf, Norbert Stötzner
  • Patent number: 11981052
    Abstract: A method of imprinting a substrate (180), comprising affixing a flexible stamp (104) carrying an imprinting pattern (106) to a first carrier (102) comprising an array of apertures (112) which, by gas pressure, either pull the flexible stamp towards the first carrier or push it away; pushing it to a second carrier (170) carrying a substrate (180) with a resist layer (182), leaving a gap (190) for creating a controllable contact area between the flexible stamp and the substrate and space (196) between the first carrier and the flexible stamp; progressively pushing areas of the flexible stamp into the resist layer to imprint it; developing the resist layer; and progressively releasing the flexible stamp by applying suction through successive apertures whilst controlling the inward flow of gas to the space (196) through the apertures that are not yet under suction in order to maintain the space (196) there above ambient but below a predetermined maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Marcus Antonius Verschuuren
  • Patent number: 11981053
    Abstract: A compression molding device, which can obtain a high compression molding force without lowering the efficiency of article production, and whose molding means has a long service life, is provided. In the compression molding device, a one-side mold assembly moving means (58) includes a toggle link mechanism including two links (62) and (64), and a toggle link mechanism operating means (60), while an opposite-side mold assembly moving means (108) includes a hydraulic cylinder mechanism. When a one-side mold assembly (16) and an opposite-side mold assembly (18) are to be brought from an open state into a closed state, the one-side mold assembly (16) is first moved to a nearly closed state by the one-side mold assembly moving means (58), and then the opposite-side mold assembly (18) is moved from the nearly closed state to the closed state by the opposite-side mold assembly moving means (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD., TOYO SEIKAN GROUP ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akio Sato, Yoshihiro Kaitsuka, Shin Nakamura, Keitaro Hayashi, Hiroshi Takahashi, Mitsuo Kumata, Yukihito Nozaki, Tomoho Kikuchi, Kunihiko Hatazawa
  • Patent number: 11981054
    Abstract: A leveler table includes a plate with a flat top work surface that is level in all planes, by locating a circular level recessed within the center of the plate, so that the level indicator of the circular level is in horizontal alignment with the top work surface. By locating the circular level in the middle of the plate, at the same horizontal level as the work surface, this leveler table provides accuracy and repeatability for use of the flat top work surface in manufacturing steps, particularly the forming of parts where repeatability is necessary, such as the in situ forming of an automotive windshield sensor pad in an open ended package supported on the flat top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Marcy Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R Meizlish, David W Robinson
  • Patent number: 11981055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection mold, an injection molding machine including the injection mold, and a method of manufacturing an injection-molded product using the injection molding machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an injection mold including a mold having a mold surface on which one or more deposition layers are formed, wherein the deposition layer includes a fluororesin homopolymer or polyether ether ketone (PEEK); an injection molding machine including the injection mold; and a method of manufacturing an injection-molded product using the injection molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Inki Min, Dongchul Shim, Cheol Hwan Hwang, Minchul Lee, In Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 11981056
    Abstract: A composite release film may be configured to separate a current cured layer from a photocuring surface during a photocuring three-dimensional (3D) printing process. The composite release film may include a plastic layer and an elastic layer. An upper surface of the plastic layer may be the photocuring surface, and a lower surface of the plastic layer may fit with an upper surface of the elastic layer. The elastic layer may include an elastic medium of the elastic layer and a reinforcing scaffold. The elastic medium of the elastic layer may be filled in pores of the reinforcing scaffold. The reinforcing scaffold in the elastic layer may include a plurality of protrusions on a lower surface of the elastic layer. In addition, a device and a method using the composite release film to prepare a 3D object through a photocuring 3D printing technique in the field of additive manufacturing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: LUXCREO (BEIJING) INC.
    Inventors: Guang Zhu, Wen Fan, Zhengwei Wan, Yutong Wu
  • Patent number: 11981057
    Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a movable molding surface with molding cavities, a pressure shoe with a stationary outer surface that defines in cooperation with the molding surface a pressure zone, and a resin source configured to introduce molten resin into the pressure zone to be forced into the molding cavities by pressure in the pressure zone. The molding surface is movable with respect to the pressure shoe to introduce molding cavities to the pressure zone to be filled with resin while the outer surface of the pressure shoe and the molding surface define in between an entrance gap of decreasing width upstream of the pressure zone. The outer surface of the pressure shoe is spaced from the molding surface in the pressure zone to define a minimum gap at which the outer surface of the pressure shoe has a slope parallel to the molding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Velcro IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Gregory K. Kopanski, Stephen R. Arata, Charles S. White
  • Patent number: 11981058
    Abstract: A one-piece cast component having at least one integrated attachment part is disclosed. The component includes at least one pin which is rigidly connected to an attachment part; a housing at least partially enclosing the pin in a contactless manner; the pin being arranged in the axial direction between two axial connecting webs and being rigidly connected via the latter to the housing; the pin being arranged in the radial direction between a plurality of radial connecting webs and being rigidly connected via the latter to the housing; wherein the connecting webs are dimensioned in such a way that only the latter break at respective predetermined breaking points when pivoting the attachment part for the first time relative to the housing, whereafter the attachment part, together with the pin, is mounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the housing. The regions of the connecting webs that remain on the housing after the breaking operation prevent the pin from being removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: LISA DRAXLMAIER GMBH
    Inventors: Walter Fellner, Josef Christoph Bullock, Maria Dilena
  • Patent number: 11981059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyance device with which a subject to be molded can be positioned relative to a forming die. This conveyance device conveys a subject to be molded to one die from among forming dies to which a resin material is supplied from a resin injection part and comprises a retaining unit which retains and delivers the subject to be molded to the one die, a first movement mechanism which moves the subject to be molded having been delivered to the one die in a first direction toward the resin injection part, and a second movement mechanism which moves the subject to be molded having been delivered to the one die in a second direction differing from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Towa Corporation
    Inventor: Syuhei Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11981060
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to enclose at least a portion of a thermal imaging system in a thermoplastic material to create a waterproof thermal imaging system and encapsulate associated electrical components. In one example, a method includes placing at least a portion of a thermal imaging system comprising a plurality of exposed electronic components into a mold. The method also includes injecting a thermoplastic material into the mold to deposit the thermoplastic material onto the electronic components and encapsulate the electronic components in an overmolded solid enclosure formed by the thermoplastic material. Additional methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Tremblay, Jace Dispenza
  • Patent number: 11981061
    Abstract: A passive horn integrally formed by using liquid silicone rubber, includes a first outer casing, a second outer casing, an inner casing and an iron piece. The first outer casing includes a sealing ring, a folding ring and a vibrating membrane, and the sealing ring, the folding ring and the vibrating membrane are integrally injection molded into the first outer casing. A groove is disposed in the second outer casing, and the first outer casing is disposed in the groove. The back surface of the vibrating membrane is provided with a casing groove, which is sequentially embedded with the inner casing and the iron piece. A preparation method of a passive horn integrally formed by using liquid silicone rubber, under the condition of integrated injection molding, may improve the yield rate, ensure product quality, save assembly time and labor cost, and improve production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TYMPHANY ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY (HUIZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhong Cen, Cheng Ho
  • Patent number: 11981062
    Abstract: A melt dispenser for plastic molding comprises a barrel unit removably mountable to a drive unit. A feed screw is received within a barrel of the barrel unit and is rotated by the drive unit to dispense molten molding material through an outlet of the barrel. A coupling mechanism can be engaged to hold the barrel unit against the drive unit and on to connect the screw to the drive. The coupling mechanism is operable by an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD
    Inventor: Alex Teng
  • Patent number: 11981063
    Abstract: A core lifter having lifter bar with an elongate blade which carries a coupling head received in an elongate lifter bar coupling receiver formed in the base configured to permit pivotable, swiveling and/or translational misalignment or tolerance compensation during core lifter assembly, installation, and operation in a plastic formable material molding apparatus, including during mold cycling advantageously preventing core lifter binding and extending core lifter life. A preferred lifter has a lifter bar formed of a blade to which a lifter bar coupling ball is attached that is received in an elongate longitudinally extending channel having a transverse cross section complementary to the ball defining a bearing race in which the ball is received enabling slidable pivoting, swiveling and slidable movement of the ball and blade relative thereto including while the ball and blade are slidably moving along the race in a longitudinal or lengthwise direction relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Accura-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus A. Wieder
  • Patent number: 11981064
    Abstract: A die plate changing system holds first and second die plates and selectively transitions the first and second die plates into and out of communication with a material source. The die plate changing system has a frame having a body defining a first recess that receives the first die plate and a second recess that receives the second die plate, where the frame is heats the first and second die plates when the first and second die plates are disposed in the first and second recesses, respectively. The die plate changing system also includes a movement assembly operably coupled to the frame and that selectively moves the frame between a first position, where the first die plate receives material from the material source, and a second position, where the second die plate receives the material from the material source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Schlief, Nikolai Schnellbach
  • Patent number: 11981065
    Abstract: A system for making polymeric fibers can comprise a main extruder configured to receive a polymer feedstock composition. The main extruder can have an outlet in fluid communication with a transfer line configured to receive a polymer melt from the main extruder and transfer the polymer melt in a flow direction that is towards a spinneret. A side arm extruder assembly can be positioned along the transfer line between the main extruder and the spinneret. The side arm extruder assembly can comprise an outlet positioned within the transfer line to inject a colored polymer melt concentrate into the transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Richard Rapp, Kimberly McKenzie, Joel Corn, Domenick De Cesaris, Brad Medley, Alex Freas, Luke Tixier, Berry Rentz, Daniela Echeverri
  • Patent number: 11981066
    Abstract: Rheological measurement systems for use with systems including pressurized polymer melts and/or other viscous materials are described. In one embodiment, a rheometer is connected to an associated system with a bent, curved, or bendable tube to permit the rheometer to measure rheological properties in locations where the rheometer could not otherwise be located due to the presence of obstructions. Embodiments including rigid straight tubes for connecting a rheometer to an associated system are also described. In another embodiment, a flow-through rheometer is connected to an industry standard ½-20 thermowell aperture that is typically used for attaching temperature and pressure probes to a vessel containing a viscous material such as an extruder or injection molding system. The rheological measurement systems described can have improved tube resistance and thermal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: John A. Czazasty, John R. Biagioni, Kevin Craig, Matthew Lockwood, Michael P. Leonardi
  • Patent number: 11981067
    Abstract: A multi-cavity mould (1) for a thermoforming machine used in the process of high-volume, continuous thermoforming of a plurality of thin-gauge plastic products (2) from a preheated thin-gauge thermoplastic sheet (3) comprising an upper tool (11) and a lower tool (12) arranged in a cooperating manner; the lower tool (12) comprising a plurality of cavities (8) in which cavity moulds (8) are placed and a plurality of base plates (91) from which a plurality of supporting blocks (92) extend perpendicularly over a predetermined total height (a), situated between adjacent cavities (8), each of said supporting block (92) has a stepped profile comprising three substantially rectangular shaped zones (92a, 92b, 92c) and a fourth substantially isosceles trapezoid shaped zone (92d) in a vertical cross section, having a common symmetry axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Ionel-Dan Dragulinescu
  • Patent number: 11981068
    Abstract: A plastic sheet supplying apparatus for a thermoforming machine having an adjustable pin is proposed. Such a plastic sheet supplying apparatus for a thermoforming machine having an adjustable pin according to the present invention has the technical feature in which in a process in which a plastic sheet adhering to a material of a door trim is heated, fixing pins supporting a lower portion of an edge portion of the plastic sheet are configured to have adjustable positions so as to be moved in response to the change of the size of the plastic sheet caused by heating, so that the entire portion of the plastic sheet is uniformly heated and is also uniformly stretched without wrinkling, whereby the quality of a molded product is improved, and fabric consumption is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: GUNYANG ITT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taek Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11981069
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into a conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to drag the filament from the conduit nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: MARKFORGED, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Mark, Antoni S. Gozdz
  • Patent number: 11981070
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe and methods of manufacture are provided. The method can include depositing a base layer on a platform. The method can also include depositing a first portion of a first functional layer on the base layer. The method can further include positioning a first surface of an ultrasonic transducer on the first portion of the first functional layer. The transducer can further include a second surface opposite the first surface and opposed first and second sides. The first and second sides can be transverse to the first and second surfaces. The method can additionally include depositing a second portion of the first functional layer on the first and second sides of the transducer. The method can further include depositing a second functional layer upon the second surface of the transducer. The transducer can be encapsulated by the first functional layer and the second functional layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Hoemske
  • Patent number: 11981071
    Abstract: Adjustable guide systems and additive manufacturing systems incorporating the same are disclosed. An adjustable guide system includes a first arm support coupled to a first end of a powder distributor in an additive manufacturing system, a second arm support coupled to a second end of the powder distributor opposite the first end, a plurality of shuttles, and a plurality of guide rails. Each one of the plurality of shuttles is pivotally coupled to the first arm support or the second arm support via one or more link arms. Each one of the plurality of guide rails supports a corresponding one of the plurality of shuttles thereon and allows each shuttle to move along the respective guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Arcam AB
    Inventor: Karl Hansson
  • Patent number: 11981072
    Abstract: Certain examples described herein relate to a carriage assembly for an additive manufacturing system. The carriage assembly comprises a movable carriage to move over a build zone of the additive manufacturing system, a thermal sensor device on the carriage to obtain thermal data associated with a region of build material in the build zone, radiation device on the carriage to apply radiation onto the build material. The radiation device is configurable between a preheating mode, to apply radiation onto the region of build material to raise a surface temperature thereof, and a fusing mode, to apply radiation onto the region of build material to selectively fuse at least part of the region of build material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P
    Inventors: Luis Angel Ortega Estornel, Pedro Garcia Garces, Vicente Granados Asensio
  • Patent number: 11981073
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a powder material that has good wettability with respect to an aqueous solvent and that can be applied to a method for producing a three-dimensional molded object in which a bonding fluid and a peeling fluid are applied. In order to solve the abovementioned problem, a powder material according to the present invention is used in a method for a producing a three-dimensional molded object that includes formation of a thin layer containing the powder material, application of a bonding fluid containing an aqueous solvent and an energy-absorbing agent to the thin layer, and irradiation of the thin layer with energy. The powder material contains molding particles comprising: resin particles containing a thermoplastic resin; and an organic resin layer that is arranged around the resin particles and that contains an organic resin having a surface tension of 30-45 mN/m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuya Isobe
  • Patent number: 11981074
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating three-dimensional rubber-like objects which utilize one or more modeling material formulations which comprise an elastomeric curable material and silica particles are provided. Objects made of the modeling material formulations and featuring improved mechanical properties are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Stratasys Ltd.
    Inventors: Eynat Matzner, Shiran Lupo, Shai Hirsch, Ophira Melamed
  • Patent number: 11981075
    Abstract: A 3-dimensional printed part can include a part body including a first matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder, a security feature including a second matrix of fusing agent, thermoplastic polymer powder, and photoluminescent agent, and a masking feature including a third matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder. The security feature can be positioned beneath and visible through the masking feature upon photoluminescent emission of the security feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Garry Hinch, Kevin P. DeKam, Sterling Chaffins, James William Stasiak
  • Patent number: 11981076
    Abstract: A machine for additive manufacturing comprises a work top, a work area, a device for depositing a layer of powder onto the work area and a heat or energy source used to selectively consolidate a layer of powder, the device comprising a movable element for receiving powder moving relative to the work top and in the vicinity of the work area, a device for dispensing a bead of powder onto the movable element and a device for spreading the bead of powder. The movable element assuming the form of a translationally movable slide or the movable element rotationally moving around the work area, at least part of the upper surface of a movable element is located above the upper surface of the work top and/or at least part of the upper surface of a movable element is located below the upper surface of the work top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ADDUP
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Mottin
  • Patent number: 11981077
    Abstract: A modular 3D printer system can include a base subsystem and multiple exchangeable components. The base subsystem can have a 3D motion module, a printhead module and a platform module. The multiple exchangeable components can include printheads having different configurations and functionalities, which can be exchangeably installed in the printhead module. The multiple exchangeable components can include platform supports having different configurations and functionalities, which can be exchangeably installed in the platform module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Karl Joseph Gifford, Tai Dung Nguyen, Tue Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11981078
    Abstract: A device comprising; a controller arranged to receive data for an article to print; a sub-device comprising a resin source arranged to provide material for printing the article; a radiation source arranged to direct radiation for the printing of said article; a plurality of stations, said stations including a printing tank in which the article is printed, at least one cleaning station for cleaning the printed article and a curing station arranged to at least partially complete the curing of the printed article; a build surface upon which the article is arranged to be printed; wherein controller is arranged to move the build surface and the plurality of stations relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Structo Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hubertus Theodorus Petrus Van Esbroeck, Boyle Suwono, Harsh Gupta
  • Patent number: 11981079
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices including a light guide tool for multi-axis additive manufacturing. The light guide tool includes a tubular light guide. The tubular light guide may be made from an optically transmissive material enclosed by one or more reflective side walls that are interposed between opposing optically transmissive ends. The light guide tool includes an optical coupling fixed to a first end of the optically transmissive ends of the tubular light guide. The optical coupling is configured to couple to a lens. The light guide tool includes a transparent non-stick coating. The transparent non-stick coating is adhered over a second end of the optically transmissive ends of the tubular light guide. The light guide tool includes a lens. The lens is coupled to the optical coupling and configured to emit a two-dimensional light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yong Chen, Xiangjia Li
  • Patent number: 11981080
    Abstract: According to one example there is provided a build material supply unit for additive manufacturing systems. The build material supply unit may comprise a sloping support surface for the build material, which has no hard edges, a mesh above the sloping support surface, and a vibrator to vibrate the mesh and cause the descent of build material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Gerard Mosquera Donate, Lluis Pare Barniol, Albert Rodriguez Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11981081
    Abstract: A powder removal assembly includes a build module comprising module sidewalls and a moveable build plate slidably coupled to the module sidewalls, and an extraction housing removably engaged with the module sidewalls of the build module and defining a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing. The extraction housing includes one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extending through the one or more sidewalls and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stefaan Van Nieuwenhove, Sultan Shair, Thomas Kluge, Alexander Hofmann, Rene Hertha, Alex W. Ariapad, Hojjat Nasr, Johannes Hornof, Nikolaus Mroncz
  • Patent number: 11981082
    Abstract: A control method serves for controlling at least one solidification device of an additive manufacturing device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by means of an additive layer build method in which at least one object is manufactured by repeated application of a layer of a building material to a build area and by selective solidification of the applied layer at positions corresponding to a cross-section of the object to be manufactured, wherein a gas having a plurality of flow directions which essentially are not aligned in the same direction flows across the build area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Martin Schade, Robert Achim Domröse, Martin Leuterer, Michael Göth, Maximilian Mittermüller, Markus Kuchenbaur
  • Patent number: 11981083
    Abstract: A 3D printing device for building up a three-dimensional workpiece layer-by-layer includes a first side having a removal area in which a workpiece is built up by the printing device, wherein the removal area provides manual removability of the workpiece therefrom; a second side having a workpiece output from which the workpiece is removable; and a conveying device configured to remove the workpiece from the removal area in an automated way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Würzburg, AIM3D GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Beetz, Clemens Lieberwirth, Vincent Morrison
  • Patent number: 11981084
    Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a system is described. The system includes a reader to read an identifier from a storage element associated with a part. An extractor of the system extracts, based on the identifier, lifecycle conditions specific to the part. A controller of the system alters manufacturing operations based on extracted lifecycle conditions for the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kristopher J. Erickson, Jarrid Wittkopf, Rafael Ballagas, David Wayne George, Lihua Zhao, William J. Allen
  • Patent number: 11981085
    Abstract: A method includes controlling an additive manufacturing system to fabricate a 3D structure using successive layers of material. The additive manufacturing system includes a build platform having a first region, second region, and overlapping third region between the first and second regions; and multiple sources configured to build (e.g., deposit, bond, melt, solidify) the successive layers of material in the regions of the build platform. Controlling the additive manufacturing system includes controlling the additive manufacturing system to build first, second, and third portions of the 3D structure within the regions of the build platform. Each portion of the 3D structure includes (i) one or more test features that are common to the portions of the 3D structure and (ii) a substrate onto or into which the one or more common test features are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lisa M. Smith, Nicholas C. Day, Jacob H. Steinberg