US5053090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selective laser sintering with assisted powder handling
Assignee: The University of Texas System
•
Filing: 1990-07-02
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Granted: 1991-10-01
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Expires: 2010-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder is deposited to the target area of the laser and attains high bulk density during sintering.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph J. Beaman
- 👤 Carl R. Deckard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:37
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/34; B22; B22F; B22F10/00; B22F10/20; B22F10/28; B22F3/00; B22F3/004; B29; B29C; B29C64/00; B29C64/10; B29C64/141; B29C64/153; B33; B33Y; B33Y10/00; B22F10/30; B22F10/36; B22F10/366; B22F12/00; B22F12/40; B22F12/41; B22F12/44; B22F12/49; B22F12/50; B22F12/52; G; G05; G05B; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49013; G05B2219/49018; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of producing a part comprising the steps of: depositing powder onto a target surface; increasing the bulk density of said powder; and directing an energy beam at the target surface in such a manner that a selected portion of said powder corresponding to a cross-sectional region of the part is sintered by the energy of said beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of producing a part comprising the steps of: depositing powder onto a target surface; increasing the bulk density of said powder; and directing an energy beam at the target surface in such a manner that a selected portion of said powder corresponding to a cross-sectional region of the part is sintered by the energy of said beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of increasing the bulk density is performed during said directing step.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of depositing comprises: electrostatically charging said powder; and dispensing said powder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of depositing comprises: electrostatically charging said powder; and dispensing said powder; and wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises: producing an electromagnetic field proximate said target surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said powder is polarizable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said powder is polarizable; and wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises: producing an electromagnetic field proximate said target surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of depositing comprises: dispensing said powder with a first electrical charge; and placing a second electrical charge on said target surface, said first electrical charge being of opposite charge to said second electrical charge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of depositing comprises: placing a first electrical charge on a first subportion of said powder; dispensing said first subportion; and contouring said dispensed first subportion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of depositing comprises: placing a first electrical charge on a first subportion of said powder; dispensing said first subportion; contouring said dispensed first subportion; placing a second electrical charge on a second subportion of said powder; and dispensing said second subportion; wherein said first electrical charge is opposite said second electrical charge.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said powder is magnetic; and wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises producing an electromagnetic field proximate said target surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said powder is polarizable; and wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises producing an electromagnetic field.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises directing a fluid stream to said deposited powder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step of increasing the bulk density comprises applying centrifugal force to said deposited powder.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-30 | 1995-04-01 | 1995-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-30 | 1999-04-01 | 1999-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-30 | 2003-04-01 | 2003-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |