Abstract: Various automated fiber placement systems and methods are disclosed. The system can determine steerable paths for the application of a composite material over highly contoured surfaces. The system can determine when a course trajectory would violate a steering limitation (e.g., a maximum bendability of the composite material) and can adjust the trajectory to avoid such violations. The adjustment can create gaps between adjacent courses, which can have a generally flared peripheral shape. The system can fill such gaps with subsequent courses of the composite material. Thus, the system can automatically apply composite material to highly contoured surfaces while also avoiding violation of the steering limitations.

Abstract: A method for instructing a 3D printing system that includes a 3D printer provided with a printing coordinate system to print at least one first object onto an existing second object comprises providing or receiving at least one image representing at least a part of the existing second object, determining or receiving an alignment between at least part of the at least one first object and at least part of the existing second object, determining a pose of the existing second object relative to the printing coordinate system according to the at least one image, and providing the 3D printing system with the pose and the alignment for the 3D printer to print at least part of the at least one first object onto the existing second object according to the pose and the alignment.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an optimized composite laminate structure containing a plurality of plies. The system has a processor and a memory, including an application interface. The application interface, when executed by the processor, is configured to operably: receive an input file having one or more of a maximum number of plies, design variables, material properties, and design constraints; determine an initial layup sequence defining parameters of a fiber orientation angle for each ply, and a total percentage of plies at a given fiber orientation angle; iteratively adjust the parameters, until an optimum set of parameters is obtained that achieves one or more predetermined margins of safety, and that achieves optimization of the composite laminate structure; and generate an output file for creating a layup, according to the parameters. The system further has a layup system for creating the optimized composite laminate structure.

Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes obtaining a data file that includes print instructions for causing a three dimensional printer to print a three dimensional object, wherein the data file describes external surfaces of the object, and providing user instructions for positioning a preformed structure so that the three dimensional printer can print the object around the preformed structure, wherein the preformed structure has a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object. The method further includes modifying the print instructions so that the printer will print the object around the preformed structure, and printing material around the preformed structure using the modified print instructions to form the object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for providing an Au-containing layer onto a surface of a work piece, which method comprises: providing 510 a deposition fluid comprising Au(CO)Cl; depositing 520 the fluid on at least part of the surface of the work piece; and directing 530 a charged particle beam toward the surface of the work piece onto which at least part of the fluid is deposited to decompose Au(CO)Cl thereby forming the Au-containing layer on the surface of the work piece. By using Au(CO)Cl as a precursor for charged particle induced deposition, a gold Au layer may be deposited with a very high purity compared to methods known in the art.

Abstract: There is provided a motion-based design system and a method for use in producing a motion-based design of a mechanical object. In one implementation, such a method includes identifying a motion curve associated with a movement by an articulated structure corresponding to the mechanical object, and mapping the motion curve to a mechanical sub-assembly. The mapping is performed based on a previously characterized trajectory of the mechanical sub-assembly and the similarity of that trajectory to the motion curve. The method also includes utilizing the first mechanical sub-assembly to substantially replicate the motion curve.

Abstract: Various automated fiber placement systems and methods are disclosed. The system can determine steerable paths for the application of a composite material over highly contoured surfaces. The system can determine when a course trajectory would violate a steering limitation (e.g., a maximum bendability of the composite material) and can adjust the trajectory to avoid such violations. The adjustment can create gaps between adjacent courses, which can have a generally flared peripheral shape. The system can fill such gaps with subsequent courses of the composite material. Thus, the system can automatically apply composite material to highly contoured surfaces while also avoiding violation of the steering limitations.

Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, where the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method comprises obtaining data describing external surfaces of a three dimensional object to be made using a three dimensional printer; determining, for a given voxel size, a voxel structure having a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object; outputting user instructions for manually assembling the voxel structure and positioning the voxel structure into the three dimensional printer; and printing material onto the assembled voxel structure to form an object that subsumes the voxel structure. The use of a voxel structure can reduce print time and the amount of print resources required to form an object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for fabricating parts from photopolymer resin. In one aspect, a method includes iteratively determining a deviation measurement based on a simulated cured geometry and adjusted target geometry data until the deviation measurement is at or less than a threshold. The simulated cured geometry is determined, based in part, on an inhibition model.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for building models in layers, wherein a first material and subsequent thereto selectively a second material are applied in layers in a build space, and these two application steps are repeated until a desired model is obtained. The two materials form a solid object in a suitable mixing ratio, the first material including a particulate material and the second material being applied with the aid of a print head. The first material, the second material and/or the particulate material include one or more diamines and/or one or more dicarbonyl compounds as the binder.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object preview device includes a cross-sectional image data generation section configured to generate cross-sectional image data representing a cross-sectional shape of each layer of a three-dimensional object, a two-dimensional coordinate data acquisition section configured to acquire first two-dimensional coordinate data from the cross-sectional image data, a two-dimensional coordinate data conversion section configured to convert, using triangulation, the first two-dimensional coordinate data into second two-dimensional coordinate data, a three-dimensional coordinate data generation section configured to add Z-axis coordinate information to the second two-dimensional coordinate data to generate three-dimensional coordinate data, a layer image data generation section configured to add layer thickness information to the three-dimensional coordinate data, thus generating layer image data, a printing image data generation section configured to generate, using the layer image data, printing

Abstract: A process and system for generating a specification for customized devices, such as rehabilitation or assistive devices, including prostheses and orthoses, or sports padding or equipment. A digital model, which is fully parameterized at least for characterizing clinical shape characteristics and functional characteristics of the device, is populated with a plurality of design parameter values and 3-dimensional coordinates of captured and calculated virtual landmarks to construct a customized model corresponding to the specification. The customized device may be manufactured based upon the specification. A system connected to a computer aided manufacturing system may generate instructions for automatically fabricating the device. In embodiments with standardized design parameter values, the customized model may be constructed without involving a human operator.

Abstract: A disclosed additive manufacturing machine includes a fixed platform defining a work surface for supporting fabrication of a part and a housing defining a chamber over the work surface. A material applicator is supported on the housing for depositing material onto the work surface. An energy directing device is also supported on the housing and directs energy within the chamber to form a part. The housing is movable relative to the work surface therefore moves the energy producing device relative to the work surface to maintain a distance between the energy directing device and a surface of the part during fabrication.

Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.

Abstract: In general the invention is directed to computer implemented systems and methods for assessing the size of a dental restoration blank. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising dental CAD application code which implements the following procedures: generating in a computer memory a three dimensional digital rendering of a dental restoration; generating in the computer a digital rendering of a blank volume, the blank volume corresponding in dimensions to the usable volume of a blank that is available for milling, and the blank volume having a boundary corresponding to its edges; calculating areas of the dental restoration which are beyond the boundary; and providing the calculated areas to a calling function, user, user interface, or module.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, and analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic inserter based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having a memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert.

Abstract: The original contoured thumb and finger pick for players of stringed instruments introduced an incredible innovation for guitar players and others. Improvements based on this unique concept have transformed a useful tool into an extremely comfortable and natural strumming aid. The pick saddle totally follows the thumb and finger contours for greater comfort and the band is secured to the pick with a low profile post. A new method of constructing a large inventory of 3d CAD models with the manufacture of individual custom fit models by 3d printing now makes the improved contoured pick available to all sizes and shapes of fingers and thumbs, and allows each player to select a pick which will best fit his own shape, size, and playing style.

Abstract: A physical model of at least a portion of a patient's dentition has model dental surfaces corresponding to real dental surfaces of the patient's dentition. The physical model includes one or more targets, each configured for facilitating placement of an 5 orthodontic appliance on the model at a desired location. The targets lack mechanical stops that are outwardly protruding from the original model dental surfaces. Also provided are a method of manufacturing a physical model for use in indirect bonding procedures, a method for indirect bonding for use in an orthodontic procedure, a method for providing an indirect bonding transfer tray for use in an orthodontic procedure, and a 10 system for providing a physical model for use in indirect bonding orthodontic procedures.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing objects/materials includes selectively arranging the predetermined components in a staging area, substantially simultaneously selectively removing two or more of the selectively arranged predetermined components according to a predetermined removal plan and substantially simultaneously placing the selectively removed components, the removed components being substantially simultaneously placed at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, applying a first powder layer on a work table, directing a first energy beam from a first energy beam source over said work table causing said first powder layer to fuse in first selected locations according to a corresponding model to form a first cross section of said at least one three-dimensional article, where said first energy beam is fusing a first article with parallel scan lines in a first direction, fusing a second scan line in said first direction in said first layer in said first article within a predetermined time interval after fusing a first scan line in said first article, wherein at least one intermediate scan line is fused within said time interval at another predetermined position and where said first and second scan lines are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A method of making a biometric dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different structural and/or optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: In various embodiments, digital manufacturing of jewelry items is provided, including a physical process and software automation for implementing the physical process. Further, models formed during the process, as well as the resultant jewelry items, are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a digital model of the jewelry item, forming a physical model of the jewelry item based on the digital model, and manufacturing the jewelry item in a lost wax process using the physical model.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-chromatic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape of the dental appliance can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information, obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information, decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate key corresponding to the lock can be formed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for collaboratively generating content from multiple users is described. This system may allow multiple users to create and maintain content that includes a complicated object, including linked spatial and text information, which can include dynamic spatial relationships between components in the complicated object. In particular, the system may receive one or more modifications to content associated with the complicated object from one or more users, and may provide signals to display the modified complicated object in a 3-d space or virtual environment on a display based at least in part on the cumulative modifications.

Abstract: An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.

Abstract: Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink and support material; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Further described herein are methods for fabricating a tissue construct, comprising: a computer module receiving input of a visual representation of a desired tissue construct; a computer module generating a series of commands, wherein the commands are based on the visual representation and are readable by a bioprinter; a computer module providing the series of commands to a bioprinter; and the bioprinter depositing bio-ink and support material according to the commands to form a construct with a defined geometry.

Abstract: A dental superstructure with integrated spacers including a main body and at least one integrated spacer. The superstructure is intended to be connected to the at least one osseointegrated dental implant through connection between the integrated spacer and the osseointegrated dental implant. A manufacturing method thereof is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for producing layout data for devices are described. One method includes using a genetic algorithm to determine a structure of a thermally-operated actuator. Another method includes receiving a three-dimensional model of a device, a design-rule set, and parameter ranges. Layout data are produced for devices having various combinations of parameter values in the parameter ranges.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for obtaining images of body parts, implants, bones, and other areas of a patient that are involved in plastic or reconstructive surgery. A scanning device obtains an image of a body part of a patient to be replicated, sends it to a computer for review and/or manipulation, and the computer sends it to a printer or fabricator for reproduction. The scanning device, computer, and/or printer can be co-located, meaning that they are within the same facility. As an alternative to scanning the patient's body part, the computer of the present disclosure can obtain an image of the required body part from a stored set of anthropometric data on a database. The surgeon can modify the part produced from the anthropometric data as needed.

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.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a dental implant surgical guide is disclosed. A patient-specific virtual model is generated using image data specific to a patient and virtual dental implants. The virtual model aligns the image data with the virtual dental implants using modeling software. A virtual mold is generated from the virtual model, and a physical mold is generated from the virtual mold. The physical mold is covered with a thermoplastic sheet via a thermoforming process. Excess thermoplastic material is trimmed off after the thermoforming process to produce a thermoformed piece. Metal tubes corresponding to each the virtual dental implants are placed onto the physical mold denoting the position, trajectory, and depth of the one or more virtual dental implants. A dental implant surgical guide that contains the thermoformed piece with the one or more tubes is produced.

Abstract: A composite part including a ply stack-up and resin is modeled. The modeling includes performing a convolution on a representation of the stack-up to approximate smoothed ramps between different plies of the stack-up.

Abstract: A fluid jet system is configured to etch a workpiece to a plurality of depths to produce an etched part corresponding to a computer image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis, which is provided with a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis. The method comprises of manufacturing a shell part on the basis of the representation of the contact surface by machining processable material under the control of the representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis; and arranging a covering layer on the thus obtained shell part. The invention also relates to a sitting orthosis. The sitting orthosis comprises a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, wherein the sitting orthosis is assembled from a shell part of a material processable by machining and wherein at least the contact surface is provided with a covering layer.

Abstract: A method of fabrication for a component to be installed in a facility, the facility being represented by an electronic design model, the method including extracting, at a computing device and from the model, details of the component and controlling a plurality of stations with the computing device to fabricate and track the component.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a custom medical mask formed for a particular user from a three-dimensional electronic model includes a body formed from a polymerized photopolymer material. An interior surface of the body is configured to seat on the particular user's face and comprises a physical embodiment of a three-dimensional electronic model corresponding to unique facial features of the particular user. According to another embodiment, a method of creating a three-dimensional electronic model for use in forming a custom medical mask for a particular user includes scanning a portion of the particular user's face using an electronic scanning device, generating a three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face based on the scanning, and transmitting the three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face for use in forming the custom medical mask for the particular user from a photopolymer using a stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A three-dimensional semiconductor package and method for making the same include providing a first package layout parameter for a plurality of first terminals included in a first package, a second package layout parameter for a plurality of second terminals included in a second package disposed above or below the first package, and a connection terminal layout parameter for a plurality of connection terminals electrically connecting the first package and the second package; providing a first wiring connection layout between the first and second terminals and the connection terminals by applying a first process to the first package, second package, and connection terminal layout parameters; and providing a second wiring connection layout between the first and second terminals and the connection terminals by applying a second process, which is different from the first process, to the first wiring connection layout.

Abstract: A method of flank and/or point milling an integrally bladed rotor is conducted with an automatic tool path generator which generates a new created tool path including smooth transitions merging between an actual finished surface and a nominal surface of the integrally bladed rotor. The actual finished surface is presented in a mathematical transformation matrix which may be obtained in a 3-D scanning process.

Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.

Abstract: The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a slicing engine that generates two or more slices of a virtual 3D model given a slice plane. The slicing engine then determines connection points on each of the slices that indicate how the 3D model is to be reconnected by the user when the 3D model is fabricated. The slicing engine also determines an optimized layout for the various slices of the 3D model on fabrication material for minimal use of the material. The user is then able to “print” the layout on the fabrication material via 3D printers, and connect the various printed slices according to the connection points to build a physical representation of the 3D model.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a slicing engine that generates two or more slices of a virtual 3D model given a slice plane. The slicing engine then determines connection points on each of the slices that indicate how the 3D model is to be reconnected by the user when the 3D model is fabricated. The slicing engine also determines an optimized layout for the various slices of the 3D model on fabrication material for minimal use of the material. The user is then able to “print” the layout on the fabrication material via 3D printers, and connect the various printed slices according to the connection points to build a physical representation of the 3D model.

Abstract: Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications.

Abstract: A method of creating a structural document may include receiving, by a host computing device in a cloud system, content information pertaining to one or more contents of a structural document that may be configured to encase the contents, determining a shape of a structural document based at least in part on the received content information, determining a plurality of dimensions of the structural document based at least in part on the received content information, receiving content item information associated with one or more content items, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at the user computing device. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to one or more print-related devices.

Abstract: A method of creating a structural document may include determining, by a host computing device in a cloud system, a shape of a structural document, determining, by the host computing device, a plurality of dimensions of the structural document, receiving information associated with one or more content items, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at a user computing device. A shape of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined shape, a plurality of dimensions of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined plurality of dimensions, and the graphical representation may include at least a portion of the received content items. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to one or more print-related devices.

Abstract: A method may include determining a shape of a structural document, determining a plurality of dimensions of the structural document, receiving information associated with one or more content items, receiving contact information to include on the structural document, receiving an indication of a location on the structural document where the contact information is to be displayed, and causing a graphical representation of the structural document to be displayed at a computing device. A shape and dimensions of the graphical representation may correspond to the determined shape and dimensions, the contact information may be displayed on the graphical representation at the location, and the graphical representation may include at least a portion of the received content items. The method may include receiving an indication that a user is finished creating the structural document, generating a print document including an encoded data mark, and providing the print document to print-related devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controllably stimulating the growth and evolution of 2D and 3D structures from a thin film mass transfer process such that complex devices can be designed and fabricated having engineered features of different heights and separation distances in a single or few process steps are provided. More specifically, the apparatus and method allows for the construction of engineered temperature gradient fields capable of controlling for, and taking into account, proximity effects during the growth and evolution of adjacent structures, which in turn allows for the production of technologically significant micro and nanoscale devices in a number of fields.