Model generation system having closed-loop extrusion nozzle positioning

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5303141
SERIAL NO

08034180

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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Apparatus and method for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a CAD-generated specification of the object. A closed-loop extrusion system (10) includes a nozzle (12) for extruding a material, such as a hot melt adhesive; apparatus (14, 18, 46) for controllably positioning the nozzle in accordance with the specification; and a sensor (60) for generating a feedback signal that is indicative of at least one characteristic of a most recently extruded portion of the material. Visual and non-visual feedback sensors may be employed, including optical sensors, infrared emission sensors, and proximity detection sensors. The specification of the object is converted to a bit-mapped representation thereof to improve accuracy relative to vector-based representations. Methods for determining a need for supporting structures and anti-aliasing features and for integrating the structures and features into the object specification are also disclosed.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • STRATASYS, INC.

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Batchelder, John S Somers, NY 23 1831
Curtis, Huntington W Chelsea, NY 7 784
Goodman, Douglas S Yorktown Heights, NY 28 1070
Gracer, Franklin Yorktown Heights, NY 4 550
Jackson, Robert R Millbrook, NY 10 1113
Koppelman, George M New York, NY 3 565
Mackay, John D Pound Ridge, NY 10 776

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