Three-dimensional Product Forming Patents (Class 700/118)
  • Patent number: 11485079
    Abstract: A z-lift and leveling assembly for leveling a platen in a heated chamber of a 3D printer includes first, second, third, and fourth z-actuators in a rectangular configuration. Each z-actuator includes a linear drive configured to supply motion in the z-direction and a mounting bracket secured to the linear drive and configured to move with the linear drive in the z-direction. The assembly includes a set of four pin couplings each associated with one of the first, second, third and fourth z-actuators. Each pin coupling includes a pivot block secured to the mounting bracket with a first pivot pin forming a first pin joint between the mounting bracket and the pivot block, where the pivot block is configured to move relative to the mounting bracket about a first pivot axis of the first pivot pin. The pivot block is secured to the platen or an arm of the platen with a second pivot pin forming a second pin joint such that the pivot block and the platen move relative to each other about a second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Durand, Jeff Lee Chapman
  • Patent number: 11478984
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for an additive manufacturing or three dimensional (3D) printing system, including a build point, located at an origin of a Spherical coordinate system; a theta axis motor configured to incrementally control rotation of the build point in relation to an extruder head along the theta axis; a phi axis motor configured to incrementally control rotation of the build point in relation to the extruder head along the phi axis perpendicular to the theta axis; and a rho radius motor configured to incrementally control the extruder head to a desired radius from the build point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Jay Lee
  • Patent number: 11475229
    Abstract: A computer-readable code array comprises a first three-dimensional module and second three-dimensional module. The first three-dimensional module comprises a first face and a second face. A state of the first face encodes a pixel of a first computer-readable code. A state of the second face encodes a pixel of a second computer-readable code. The second three-dimensional module comprises a third face and a fourth face. A state of the third face encodes a second pixel of the first computer-readable code. A state of the second face encodes a second pixel of the second computer-readable code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tao Song, Zhongfeng Yang, XiYuan Yin, Qiuyi Yu
  • Patent number: 11439514
    Abstract: A personalized fixation system includes a surgical planning software tool configured to adjust relationships of relevant anatomy of a subject, at least one bone anchor, a plate having a shape that does not conform to a single plane, the plate configured to accept the at least one bone anchor, wherein the shape of the plate is at least partially determined by the surgical planning software tool, and wherein the plate includes at least one node having a hole configured to receive the at least one bone anchor, and a locking element configured to connect the at least one bone anchor to the plate, wherein the plate is manufactured using additive manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Carlsmed, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Patrick Casey, Michael J. Cordonnier
  • Patent number: 11440251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing products having individual geometries, comprising a substrate carrier device, a material application device for applying material, preferably above the substrate carrier device, which material application device can be moved relative to the substrate carrier device, and a control device which is coupled to the material application device for signaling. According to the invention, the material application device is coupled to an input interface for signaling and for selection of a first or a second application mode, the control device and the application device being designed such as to produce, in the first application mode, a three-dimensional product on the surface of a substrate plate by way of an additive production method, said substrate plate being connected to the substrate carrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: BEGO MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Uckelmann, Simon Hoges
  • Patent number: 11433617
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an additive manufacturing process in which a layer of resin is deposited on a build surface and selectively cured via selective application of radiant energy so as to define the geometry of a cross-sectional layer of the component, such that uncured resin remaining on the build surface after curing defines a negative structure of the layer being cured. The method includes: using an imaging apparatus to produce an image of the negative structure; evaluating the image of the negative structure and controlling at least one aspect of the additive manufacturing process with reference to the image of the negative structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Meredith Elissa Dubelman, Mary Kathryn Thompson, Christopher Barnhill
  • Patent number: 11419701
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing orthodontic treatment planning are provided. Virtual/Augmented Reality devices can be used to virtually manipulate patient's teeth, modify virtual models of the patient's teeth, analyze the fit of a dental appliance on the patient's teeth, analyze the position of attachment sites for dental appliances, and provide overlays showing forces applied to the patient's teeth. The VR/AR devices can be used by physicians and/or the patient to provide and display treatment planning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaser Shanjani, Bruce Cam
  • Patent number: 11420261
    Abstract: A system (1) for producing three-dimensional objects (2) by way of the solidification above one another of layers of a building material which can be solidified by means of radiation at the points which correspond to the respective cross section of the object, wherein the system (1) comprises at least one process station (4) which is arranged in a first housing (3) for carrying out the layer-by-layer generative building process in a building container (5), and a handling station (7) in at least one second housing (6) for unpacking produced objects (2) from the building container (5) which can be moved between the at least one process station (4) and the at least one handling station (7), wherein the at least one process station (4) and the at least one handling station (7) are arranged in separate housing units (3, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: CONCEPT LASER GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Herzog, Florian Bechmann, Fabian Zeulner, Jens Stammberger, Christian Diller, Ralf Hetzel
  • Patent number: 11415962
    Abstract: Using three-dimensional shape data, the shape of a blade, which is an additive manufacturing product, is divided into multiple layers according to the height of a bead. Each layer of the additive manufacturing product that has been divided into multiple layers is divided by fitting regions of a set shape. By determining connecting lines for connecting the divided regions to each other and computing the extension directions of protrusions, planned lines for bead formation along said extension directions are determined. The additive manufacturing product is shaped by forming beads along planned bead formation lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takemasa Yamasaki, Tatsuya Fujii, Shinji Sato, Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 11417540
    Abstract: In described examples, a method for encapsulating a semiconductor device includes the steps of immersing a layer of the semiconductor device in a liquid encapsulation material, irradiating portions of the liquid encapsulation material to polymerize the liquid encapsulation material, and moving the semiconductor device further from a surface of the liquid encapsulation material proximate to the layer. Immersing the semiconductor device is performed to cover a layer of the device in the liquid encapsulation material. Targeted locations of the liquid encapsulation material covering the layer are irradiated to form solid encapsulation material. The semiconductor device is moved from a surface of the liquid encapsulation material so that a new layer of the semiconductor device and/or of the solid encapsulation material can be covered by the liquid encapsulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Benjamin Stassen Cook, Daniel Lee Revier
  • Patent number: 11372390
    Abstract: A furniture product is designed as a rectangular parallelepiped space such that dimension of the space can be altered. Shape and size of a plurality of kinds of machining to be provided on a face of a part member face is registered in a machining master. Toolpath of controlling a tool of a machining machine is produced by CAM for each machining in advance. Machining selected from the machining master is registered on a face of a rectangular parallelepiped space of the part member. Upon receiving the data of rectangular parallelepiped space of the part member having altered dimension, the machining machine can apply the selected machining at a position after alteration of the dimension by controlling the tool in accordance with the toolpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: DOMANS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenichi Ninomiya, Seiji Yokoyama, Shunichiro Yumigeta
  • Patent number: 11351634
    Abstract: An example system may include a material source and a substrate having a molten pool on a surface of the substrate, wherein the molten pool faces a downward direction defined with respect to gravity. The system may include a computing device. An example technique may include, by the computing device, controlling the material source to direct a stream of solid material to the molten pool in an upward direction defined with respect to gravity. The material combines with the molten pool to form a deposited volume of a plurality of deposited volumes. The plurality of deposited volumes defines a component. An example computer readable storage medium may include instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to control, based on a digital representation of the component, an energy source to direct an energy beam at the substrate to form the molten pool, and control the material source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Quinlan Yee Shuck
  • Patent number: 11298883
    Abstract: In an example, a method includes receiving, at a processor, a plurality of property parameter sets representing attainable property combinations in additive manufacturing and being associated with print material description. A constraint of a first property of the property parameter sets may also be received and a hull of a property mapping resource for use in determining additive manufacturing instructions for generating an object in which the first property meets the received constraint may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Peter Morovic, Jan Morovic, Ingeborg Tastl, Melanie M. Gottwals
  • Patent number: 11260597
    Abstract: A method for generating an orthotic device is disclosed. The method includes receiving data from a client device of a patient, the data comprising patient information and image data representative of a body part of the patient. The method further includes generating, based on the image data, three-dimensional model data representative of the body part, and generating parametric CAD model data of the orthotic device based on the three-dimensional model data and the patient information. The parametric CAD model data is transmitted to a three-dimensional printer, wherein the three-dimensional printer is to generate the orthotic device based on the parametric CAD model data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: AETREX WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Kegan Leann Schouwenburg, Nathan Ghabour, Alexander Crosby
  • Patent number: 11253337
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 11234070
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cartilage conduction audio device is disclosed. A manufacturing system receives data describing a three-dimensional shape of an ear (e.g., the outer ear, behind the ear, the concha bowel, etc.) of a user. The system identifies one or more locations for one or more transducers along a back of an auricle of the ear for the user that vibrate the auricle over a frequency range causing the auricle to create an acoustic pressure wave at an entrance of the ear canal. The system then generates a design for a cartilage conduction audio device for the user based on the one or more identified locations of the transducers at which acoustic pressure waves generated by the one or more transducers satisfy a threshold performance metric for the user. The design may then be used to fabricate the cartilage conduction audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Antonio John Miller, Ravish Mehra
  • Patent number: 11225018
    Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom (Multi-DOF) 3D printing device includes a printer mechanism, a rotatable platform, a visual inspection system, and a control system. The printing mechanism includes a print head. The printing mechanism and the rotatable platform are combined to have three degrees of freedom of translation, and the rotatable platform has two degrees of freedom of rotation. The visual inspection system includes a camera mounted to nearby the print head and the relative position of camera and print head remains constant. The control system is configured to implement the printing process. The model is decomposed into several components, each of which could be printed in a single direction. After one component is printed out, the platform is then rotated so that the cutting plane for the component will be printed is horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignees: Beijing University of Technology, Beijing Cloud Profound Technologies Company Limited
    Inventors: Lifang Wu, Miao Yu, Yisong Gao, Lidong Zhao, Yuan Gao, Xiaohua Guo, Meng Jian, Changling Wang, Ziming Zhang, Yuanzheng Shi
  • Patent number: 11207734
    Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which is stored instructions. The instructions may cause the processor to control at least one energy source to apply energy at a certain low energy level onto a layer of metallic particles, in which the metallic particles have micron-level dimensions, and in which application of the certain low energy level may sinter the metallic particles and may cause formation of physical connections between adjacent ones of the metallic particles. The instructions may also cause the processor to control the at least one energy source to apply energy at a certain high energy level onto the layer of metallic particles, in which application of the certain high energy level energy may melt and fuse the sintered metallic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Krzysztof Nauka
  • Patent number: 11198248
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to determining 3D print part placement. In one implementation, a processor generates a user interface to receive user input related to multiple divisions of 3D print parts and a relative ordering between the divisions. The processor may determine part placement information for the parts in the divisions in a 3D print build area based on user input to the user interface. The processor may translate the determined part placement information into 3D printer instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig Peter Sayers, Jordi Morillo Peres
  • Patent number: 11197739
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by externally machining successive layers of wax, each of which is formed on a previous prosthesis layer and/or on a coping. Each wax layer is used to form a mold in situ over the previous prosthesis layer/coping, and the appropriate prosthesis material is cast or otherwise molded to conform to the wax layer by the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
  • Patent number: 11179179
    Abstract: An implant system that is designed to be fastened to a posterior side of a spinal column. The implant system includes an implant body, for example a plate, and a plurality of fasteners. The implant body has a fastening structure for each fastener. Each fastener extends between a proximal end and a distal end and includes a thermoplastic material in a solid state, the thermoplastic material being liquefiable by energy impinging on the fastener, in an anchoring process, in which the fastener is pressed against bone tissue by a pressing force acting from a proximal side, and in which energy is coupled into the fastener to at least partially liquefy the thermoplastic material, wherein a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is pressed into bone tissue and, after re-solidification, anchors the fastener in the bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Johan Van Havermaet
  • Patent number: 11123930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for optimizing printing parameters, such as slicing parameters and tool path instructions, for additive manufacturing. The present invention comprises a property analysis module that predicts and analyses properties of a filament object model, representing a constructed 3D object. The filament object model is generated based on the tool path instructions and user specified object properties. Analysis includes comparing the predicted filament object model properties with the user specified property requirements; and further modifying the printing parameters in order to meet the user specified property requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Arevo, Inc.
    Inventors: Hemant Bheda, Wiener Mondesir, Riley Reese, Shekar Mantha
  • Patent number: 11123925
    Abstract: A method of 3D printing a part with an overhanging portion requiring support during printing is provided. The method includes moving a dynamically adjustable support member to support the overhanging portion during printing of the part. The dynamically adjustable support member may be moved from a retracted position to a support position after a first portion of the part is printed and the overhanging portion may be supported by the dynamically adjustable support member in the support position. The part may be printed in a 3D printing chamber with a base and at least one wall. The base may have a first dynamically adjustable support member and the at least one wall may have a second dynamically adjustable support member. A first overhanging portion and a second overhanging portion of the part may be printed over the first dynamically adjustable support member the second dynamically adjustable support member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Roy Zhou, Jevon Xiao, Andres Almeida Senatore, Siddharthan Selvasekar, Daniel Boccuccia, Daniel Russman
  • Patent number: 11124774
    Abstract: Engineered, living, three-dimensional liver tissue constructs including: one or more layers, wherein each layer contains one or more liver cell types, the one or more layers cohered to form a living, three-dimensional liver tissue construct free of pre-formed scaffold. Also disclosed are arrays and methods of making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Organovo, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Shepherd, Justin B. Robbins, Vivian A. Gorgen, Sharon C. Presnell
  • Patent number: 11083541
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Eldad Taub, Avi Kopelman
  • Patent number: 11077619
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping apparatus includes a plasticizing portion plasticizing a material to generate a shaping material, a nozzle having a discharge port discharging the shaping material toward a table, a movement mechanism changing a relative position between the nozzle and the table, a discharge control mechanism provided in a flow path which connects the plasticizing portion to the nozzle and controlling a discharge amount of the shaping material from the nozzle, and a control portion controlling the plasticizing portion, the movement mechanism, and the discharge control mechanism to shape the three-dimensional shaping object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: Kohei Yuwaki, Satoshi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11046011
    Abstract: A device may obtain measurement data concerning a three-dimensional (3D) printed object, where the 3D printed object has a plurality of physical elements that comprise a plurality of different physical attributes, and where the plurality of physical elements and the plurality of different physical attributes are designed to exhibit one or more printing capabilities of a 3D printer that printed the 3D printed object. The device may process the measurement data to determine one or more printing anomalies relating to one or more physical elements, of the plurality of physical elements, and one or more physical attributes of the plurality of different physical attributes. The device may generate a set of instructions to permit the 3D printer to be adjusted to address the one or more printing anomalies, and may cause an action to be performed based on generating the set of instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Marsch, Kevin Osborn, David Kelly Wurmfeld
  • Patent number: 11048231
    Abstract: Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Vanessa A. Lind, Frank E. DeSimone, Kenneth A. Mental, Alex M. Chillman
  • Patent number: 10983504
    Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for generating instructions for machines of a manufacturing chain used to manufacture a workpiece. The apparatus comprising a processor arranged to receive a model based definition (MBD) of a workpiece including geometric dimensions and tolerances; receive inputs setting an additive build design for building the workpiece based upon the geometric dimensions; generate additive instructions for an additive manufacturing machine of the manufacturing chain based upon the additive build design; determine a prospective intermediate workpiece product expected from an additive build in accordance with the additive build design; determine differences between the prospective intermediate workpiece product and the model based definition of the workpiece; and generate further instructions for at least one further machine of the manufacturing chain based upon the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Ramkumar Revanur, Mark Buckingham
  • Patent number: 10981680
    Abstract: Items may be packaged for shipping or storage using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as three dimensional (3-D) printing. Packages made by such processes may be referred to as 3-D printed packages. The 3-D printed packages may be customized based on one or more items contained in the package, a recipient of the package, a sender of the package, and/or a destination location of the package. The customizations may include two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional customizations on an interior and/or exterior of the 3-D printed packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Shay C. Colson, David A. Divine, David S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10973615
    Abstract: A method for creating a digital model of a denture for a patient, where the denture includes a gingival part and artificial teeth, includes obtaining digital models of artificial teeth representing the artificial teeth; obtaining a 3D scan comprising a digital representation of at least part of the patient's existing gingiva; digitally modeling a gingival part of the digital model of the denture using the 3D scan and the digital artificial teeth; digitally determining a first offset defining a first thickness of a first portion of the gingival part of the digital model of the denture that extends from the digital representation of the at least part of the patient's existing gingiva; and digitally determining a second offset defining a second thickness of a second portion of the gingival part of the digital model of the denture that extends from the digital artificial teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventor: Rune Fisker
  • Patent number: 10943284
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards recommending a shoe and insole combination for a consumer. A variety of shoe information, insole information, and consumer foot information may be determined, which may include heel width, a width or shape, a length, a height, and arch characteristics. The foot information, the shoe information for a plurality of shoes, and the insole information for a plurality of insoles may be compared to determine at least one combination of shoe and insole that is compatible with the consumer's foot. Based on this comparison of foot information, shoe information, and insole information, a recommendation of at least one shoe and insole combination may be determined and provided to a user and/or the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Gooch, Eric Hayes, Daniel Wakeland
  • Patent number: 10913204
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for constructing models in layers. A region for constructing models, preferably a construction platform, and a material applying device for applying material onto the region are provided. The material applying device is arranged in a movable manner over the region. The material applying device is designed as a portal such that the material applying device can be moved over the region at least via two linear guides arranged at opposite sides of the region, and the material applying device is arranged around the region such that a portal is formed by at least two portions that extend laterally with respect to the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: VOXELJET AG
    Inventors: Andreas Dominik Hartmann, Ingo Ederer
  • Patent number: 10891880
    Abstract: A method is for the production, recognition, identification, reading and traceability of a seal or label (4). The method includes preparing a mold (64) for the seal or label (4), injecting inside a molding chamber (68) of the mold (64) a first material constituting a matrix (72) of the seal or label (4). A second, tracking material is injected inside the molding chamber (68) of the mold (4). The second, tracking material (76) is mixed into the matrix (72) at random, creating a pattern inside the matrix (72). The pattern defines a marking (16) of the seal or label (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PUNTO 2 S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ronnie Pallaro
  • Patent number: 10850495
    Abstract: System and method for optimizing a three-dimensional model representing a shape of an object to be fabricated from a plurality of materials having known physical properties. The object is designed to exhibit one or more target properties and the three-dimensional model includes a plurality of cells. The system includes at least one processor programmed to receive a data structure including information for a material property gamut of microstructures for the plurality of materials and two or more of the known physical properties of the plurality of materials, and perform a topology optimization process on the three-dimensional model to generate an optimized model, wherein the topology optimization process is constrained based, at least in part, on the information in the received data structure and the one or more target properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Wojciech Matusik, Desai Chen, Melina Skouras, Bo Zhu
  • Patent number: 10786334
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing pre-formed, customized, ceramic, labial/lingual orthodontic clear aligner attachments (CCAA) by additive manufacturing (AM) may comprise measuring dentition data of a profile of teeth of a patient, based on the dentition data, creating a three dimensional computer-assisted design (3D CAD) model of the patient's teeth using reverse engineering, and saving the 3D CAD model, designing a 3D CAD structure model for one or more CCAA on various parts of each tooth, importing data related to the 3D CAD CCAA structure model into an AM machine, directly producing the CCAA in the ceramic slurry-based AM machine by layer manufacturing, enabling the provider to deliver patient-specific CCAA's by an indirect bonding method to the patient's teeth to improve the efficacy and retention of the clear aligners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: LightForce Orthodontics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Charles Griffin, III, Kelsey A Fafara
  • Patent number: 10766245
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for distributing slice area of objects more uniformly to optimize the build process of additive manufacturing techniques are disclosed. For example, a slice area distribution of a 3D design is calculated. Further, it is determined if the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D design meets a criteria based on one or more quality metrics. If the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D design do not meet the criteria, the 3D design is adjusted. The determination and adjustment may be performed iteratively until the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D meet the criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Gert Claes
  • Patent number: 10754325
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing customized ceramic labial/lingual orthodontic brackets by digital light processing, said method comprises measuring dentition data of a profile of teeth of a patient, wherein measuring dentition data is performed using a CT scanner or intra-oral scanner, based on the dentition data, creating a three dimensional computer-assisted design (3D CAD) model of the patient's teeth using reverse engineering, and saving the 3D CAD model on a computer, designing a 3D CAD bracket structure model for a single labial or lingual bracket structure, importing the 3D CAD bracket structure model into a Digital Light Processing (DLP) machine, directly producing the bracket by layer manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LightForce Orthodontics, Inc
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Griffin, III
  • Patent number: 10691449
    Abstract: Methods for intelligent automatic merging of source control queue items are performed by systems and apparatuses. Project changes are submitted in build requests to a gated check-in build queue requiring successful builds to commit changes to a code repository according to source control. Multiple pending build requests in the build queue are intelligently and automatically merged into a single, pending merged request based on risk factor values associated with the build requests. For merged requests successfully built, files in the build requests are committed and the build requests are removed from the queue. Merged requests unsuccessfully built are divided into equal subsets based on updated risk factor values using information from the unsuccessful build. Successful builds of subsets allow for committing of files and removal from the build queue, while unsuccessful builds are further divided and processed until single build requests are processed to identify root cause errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Elad Iwanir, Gal Tamir, Mario A. Rodriguez, Chen Lahav
  • Patent number: 10691104
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method for forming a structure are disclosed. An apparatus for forming a structure may be configured to receive instructions for printing at least one portion of the structure. The instructions may be based on a data model of the structure. The apparatus for forming a structure may be configured to receive material and print the at least one portion of the structure based on the instructions. The printing may include spray forming the material to produce the at least one portion of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Pai-chung Teng, Chor Yen Yap
  • Patent number: 10603056
    Abstract: Patient specific implant technology, in which an outline representation of a portion of an outer surface of a periphery of a bone volume is determined and the outline representation is used in operations related to implant matching. In addition, an instrument may be made to match a perimeter shape of a Patient Specific Knee Implant with features for locating holes in a distal femur such that posts or lugs in a femoral implant locate the femoral implant centered medial-laterally within an acceptable degree of precision to prevent overhang of either the side of the femoral implant over the perimeter of the distal femur bone resections. Further, a two-dimensional outline representation may be segmented into segments that correspond to resection cuts used in fitting an implant on a portion of a bone and operations related to implant matching may be performed based on the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bennett Wiebe, III, Ryan Lloyd Landon, Brian William McKinnon, Randy C. Winebarger, Ruxandra Cristiana Marinescu Tanasoca, Roger Ryan Dees, Jr., William L. Bowers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10596479
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a digital representation of a user-defined construction element connectable to pre-manufactured toy construction elements of a toy construction system, each pre-manufactured toy construction element comprising a number of coupling elements for coupling the pre-manufactured toy construction element with one or more other pre-manufactured toy construction elements of said toy construction system, the method comprising determining one or more positions for placement of one or more coupling elements to be included in the user-defined construction element; generating, responsive to input by a user indicative of a user-defined shape, a digital representation of a user-defined construction element, the user-defined construction element comprising said one or more coupling elements at said determined one or more positions; providing the digital representation for automated production of said user-defined construction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventors: Erik Bach, Thomas Gjørup
  • Patent number: 10500793
    Abstract: A layered object manufacturing system is described. The system is one arrangement provides for the use of water based adhesives to bind successive layers of paper in generation of a three dimensional model. The paper can be provided in conventional paper sizes and is moveable within the system from a storage stack to a build object location, individual pages at a time. The system typically effects the application of adhesive onto the paper using an adhesive applicator wheel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses for receiving adhesive. The wheel is rotatable to convey adhesive filled in one or more recesses to a target substrate and to deposit controlled amounts of adhesive at discrete points thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MCOR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Conor MacCormack, Fintan MacCormack
  • Patent number: 10489519
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a connectivity manager for managing connection representations and part representations of a model, including, but not limited to, displaying a structural assembly representation of a physical object, the structural assembly representation comprising a plurality of parts and a connection connecting at least two of the plurality of parts, and at least one of: selecting a first connection representation to associated with the connection, and selecting a plurality of part representations, each of the plurality of part representations is associated with one of the plurality of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: MSC.SOFTWARE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hugues Jeancolas
  • Patent number: 10486364
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system operates at least one ejector and an extruder to form three-dimensional objects with photopolymer material and thermoplastic material. The system operates to deposit the two materials in a layer-by-layer manner. The photopolymer material provides high resolution finishes on the objects and the thermoplastic material enables strong and stable formation of internal portions of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Barry P. Mandel, Paul J. McConville, Peter J. Nystrom, Jeffrey J. Folkins, David A. Mantell
  • Patent number: 10478892
    Abstract: A method is provided for additive manufacturing. This method includes monitoring a current to a recoater blade. The monitored current is compared to a predetermined current. An operation is initiated in response to the monitored current exceeding the predetermined current. Another method for additive manufacturing includes comparing a movement of a recoater blade to an expected movement. A single exposure sequence is initiated in response to movement of the recoater blade being different than an expected movement. An additive manufacturing system is also provided which includes a recoated blade and a control. The control is operable to identify resistance to movement of the recoater blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sergey Mironets, Lexia Kironn, Joe Ott, Louis Porretti
  • Patent number: 10452053
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter includes techniques for printing three-dimensional (3D) objects. An example method includes obtaining a 3D model and processing the 3D model to generate layers of tool path information. The processing includes automatically optimizing the orientation of the 3D model to reduce an amount of support material used in the printing. The method also includes printing the 3D object using layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Emmett Lalish, Yulin Jin, Kristofer N. Iverson, Gheorghe Marius Gheorghescu, Xin Tong, Yang Liu
  • Patent number: 10372109
    Abstract: Computer based methods, systems, and techniques for planning and generating machining paths for a tool that manufactures a three dimensional object having beveled or “compound” contours from a workpiece. A computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system creates intermediate machining path surfaces that extend based on a CAD solid model representing the geometry of the object to be manufactured. The intermediate machining path surfaces extend to a shape that simulates a cutting beam (e.g., a waterjet, a laser beam, etc.) of the tool. For a flat workpiece, the machining path surfaces may extend from a top surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam entrance surface, to a bottom surface of the workpiece, which is a tool beam exit surface. An operator is able to visualize the cuts to be made and the actual finished object geometry, without requiring the creation of multiple CAD solid models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Frank E. DeSimone, Vanessa A. Lind, Kenneth A. Mental, Alex M. Chillman
  • Patent number: 10303159
    Abstract: Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of vehicles are provided. An additive manufacturing apparatus can include a printer that additively manufactures structures for a vehicle, and multiple analysis components. Each analysis component can receive information based on a design model of the vehicle and analyze the information based on an analysis factor. Each analysis component analyzes the information based on a different analysis factor. An integrator can receives the analyzed information from the analysis components, update the design model based on the analyzed information, and determine whether the updated design model satisfies criteria. If the updated design model satisfies the criteria, the integrator determines printing instructions for the printer to print one or more structures of the vehicle based on the updated design model, and if the updated design model does not satisfy the criteria, the integrator sends information based on the updated design model to the analysis components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Divergent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Robert Czinger, Broc William TenHouten, Richard W. Hoyle, Donald J. Christian, Stuart Paul Macey, Antonio Bernerd Martinez
  • Patent number: 10286605
    Abstract: A three-dimensional item may be produced by a three-dimensional manufacturing apparatus to include a unique identifier. A set of three-dimensional manufacturing instructions may be generated, based at least in part on a three-dimensional model that represents the three-dimensional item and the unique identifier. The set of three-dimensional manufacturing instructions may be provided to the three-dimensional manufacturing apparatus to produce the three-dimensional item and the unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Yi Liang, Aaron Takayanagi Barnet