Thomas A Almquist

US Patent:

6508971, Jan 21, 2003

Filed:

Aug 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/924433

Inventors:

Richard N. Leyden - Topanga CA
Jeffrey S. Thayer - Simi Valley CA
Bryan J. L. Bedal - Palmdale CA
Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA
Jocelyn M. Earl - Old Headington, GB
Thomas A. Kerekes - Calabasas CA
Dennis R. Smalley - Newhall CA
Christian M. Merot - Saugus CA
Richard P. Fedchenko - Saugus CA
Michael S. Lockard - Grand Junction CO
Thomas H. Pang - Castaic CA
Dinh Ton That - Irvine CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508

US Classification:

264401, 264 401, 264308, 264408, 347 1, 347 20, 347 44, 347 54, 347 85, 347 88, 347 99, 425135, 4251744, 425375, 700119, 700120

Abstract:

A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

US Patent:

6660209, Dec 9, 2003

Filed:

Aug 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/924608

Inventors:

Richard N. Leyden - Topanga CA
Jeffrey S. Thayer - Montara CA
Bryan J. L. Bedal - Palmdale CA
Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA
Jocelyn M. Earl - Old Headington, GB
Thomas A. Kerekes - Calabasas CA
Dennis R. Smalley - Newhall CA
Christian M. Merot - Saugus CA
Richard P. Fedchenko - Saugus CA
Michael S. Lockard - Grand Junction CO
Thomas H. Pang - Castaic CA
Dinh Ton That - Irvine CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508

US Classification:

264401, 264 401, 264308, 264408, 347 1, 347 20, 347 44, 347 54, 347 85, 347 88, 347 89, 425135, 4251744, 425375, 700119, 700120

Abstract:

A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

US Patent:

7077638, Jul 18, 2006

Filed:

Nov 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/724370

Inventors:

Richard N. Leyden - Topanga CA, US
Jeffrey S. Thayer - Montara CA, US
Bryan J. L. Bedal - Palmdale CA, US
Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA, US
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA, US
Jocelyn M. Earl - Old Headington, GB
Thomas A. Kerekes - Calabasas CA, US
Dennis R. Smalley - Newhall CA, US
Christian M. Merot - Saugus CA, US
Richard P. Fedchenko - Saugus CA, US
Michael S. Lockard - Grand Junction CO, US
Thomas H. Pang - Castaic CA, US
Dinh Ton That - Irvine CA, US

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 35/08
B29C 41/02

US Classification:

4251744, 425375, 425449

Abstract:

A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

US Patent:

62703358, Aug 7, 2001

Filed:

Feb 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/252512

Inventors:

Richard N. Leyden - Topanga CA
Jeffrey S. Thayer - Montara CA
Bryan J. L. Bedal - Santa Clarita CA
Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA
Jocelyn M. Earl - Old Headington, GB
Thomas A. Kerekes - Calabasas CA
Christian M. Merot - Mesa CO
Richard P. Fedchenko - Saugus CA
Michael S. Lockard - Elizabeth Lake CA
Thomas H. Pang - Castaic CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508
B29C 4102

US Classification:

425375

Abstract:

A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

US Patent:

51749319, Dec 29, 1992

Filed:

Apr 27, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/515479

Inventors:

Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Borzo Modrek - Montebello CA
Paul F. Jacobs - La Crescenta CA
Charles W. Lewis - Sherman Oaks CA
Mark A. Lewis - Valencia CA
Abraham Liran - Northridge CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508
B29C 4102

US Classification:

264 22

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

US Patent:

59025379, May 11, 1999

Filed:

Jan 28, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/790005

Inventors:

Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA
Jeffrey S. Thayer - Simi Valley CA
Richard N. Leyden - Topanga Canyon CA
Paul F. Jacobs - La Crescenta CA
Dennis R. Smalley - Newhall CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C35/08;41/02

US Classification:

264401

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for use in building three-dimensional objects on substantially a cross-sectional basis including methods and apparatus for forming successive layers using counter-rotating rollers, ink jet recoaters, spinning members which sling material, applicator bars that dispense material via a meniscus and/or independently dispensed streams, and also including methods and apparatus to determine a preferred region over which to form a layer and to check for building errors.

US Patent:

55018246, Mar 26, 1996

Filed:

Nov 8, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/148544

Inventors:

Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Dennis R. Smalley - Baldwin Park CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508
B29C 4102
B29C 4136

US Classification:

264401

Abstract:

Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface. In another alternative embodiment such an apparatus is combined with a conventional stereolithographic apparatus to provide means for forming an object out of conventional stereolithographic materials, but utilizing a normally solid but thermally-flowable support material to provide support to the object, either on a layer-by layer basis, or by building supports such as web supports.

US Patent:

6048487, Apr 11, 2000

Filed:

Apr 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/286213

Inventors:

Thomas A. Almquist - San Gabriel CA
Charles W. Hull - Santa Clarita CA
Borzo Modrek - Montebello CA
Paul F. Jacobs - La Crescenta CA
Charles W. Lewis - Sherman Oaks CA
Adam L. Cohen - Los Angeles CA
Stuart T. Spence - So. Pasadena CA
Hop D. Nguyen - Littlerock CA
Mark A. Lewis - Valencia CA
Abraham Liran - Northridge CA
Dennis R. Smalley - Baldwin Park CA

Assignee:

3D Systems, Inc. - Valencia CA

International Classification:

B29C 3508
B29C 4102
B29C 4152

US Classification:

264401

Abstract:

Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.