US5071337A — Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional a…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 237 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for forming a first cross-section of the liquid medium on the support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the first cross-section of the liquid medium, to form a first layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for raising the level of the liquid medium in the container means surrounding the solidified first cross-section of the article so as to form a meniscus around the periphery of the first cross-section; horizontally reciprocating means for coating a second cross-section of the liquid medium directly onto the solidified first cross-section of the solid three-dimensional article so as to fill the meniscus with the liquid medium from above and so that the meniscus surrounding the solidified first cross-section is broken and the second cross-section of the liquid medium and the liquid medium surrounding the second cross-second flow together and form an essentially level surface; said solidifying means then being operative to solidify a second preselected cross-section of the liquid medium, to form a second layer of the solid three-dimensional article; and said liquid medium level raising means, coating means and solidifying means then being repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 237 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for forming a first cross-section of the liquid medium on the support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the first cross-section of the liquid medium, to form a first layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for raising the level of the liquid medium in the container means surrounding the solidified first cross-section of the article so as to form a meniscus around the periphery of the first cross-section; horizontally reciprocating means for coating a second cross-section of the liquid medium directly onto the solidified first cross-section of the solid three-dimensional article so as to fill the meniscus with the liquid medium from above and so that the meniscus surrounding the solidified first cross-section is broken and the second cross-section of the liquid medium and the liquid medium surrounding the second cross-second flow together and form an essentially level surface; said solidifying means then being operative to solidify a second preselected cross-section of the liquid medium, to form a second layer of the solid three-dimensional article; and said liquid medium level raising means, coating means and solidifying means then being repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the support means is fixed in position in the container means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the support means is an apertured plate fixedly mounted in the container means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the support means is an apertured plate.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the coating means is a spraying means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the coating means is a horizontally extending elongated apertured tube.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 58 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the coating means comprises: an outer elongated cylinder and inner elongated cylinder mounted in relatively rotatable coaxial relationship, each cylinder including an elongated slot; and means for causing relative rotation between the cylinders to cause relative movement of the elongated slots between a non-aligned closed position and an aligned coating position.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which further comprises: gear rack means for supporting the coating means for the horizontal reciprocating movement above the support means; and drive means for reciprocating the coating means on the gear rack means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the coating means is mounted for oscillating swinging movement above the support means, and means are provided for oscillating the coating means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which further comprises: means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the coating means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the liquid medium withdrawing and feeding means includes a double acting piston in a cylinder and valve means for controlling flow of the liquid medium to and from the piston and cylinder.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 24 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the liquid level raising means is an expandable member in a bottom portion of the container means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the expandable member is expandable in response to fluid pressure.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 24 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the solidifying means and the coating means are mounted for vertical movement relative to the support means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 21 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the support means is an apertured plate fixed in position in the container means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 36 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein: means is provided for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the liquid medium to the coating means.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 15 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the liquid medium solidifying means includes a laser.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 128 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means; laser means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of such layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; means for alternately and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and laser solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reducing the level of unsolidified liquid medium within the container means from around the formed three-dimensional article while on the fixed support means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 128 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means; laser means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of such layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; means for alternately and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and laser solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reducing the level of unsolidified liquid medium within the container means from around the formed three-dimensional article while on the fixed support means.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 31 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, which further comprises means for dispensing at least a portion of each liquid medium layer from above the fixed support means in the container means.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the dispensing means includes a horizontally reciprocable, elongated apertured tube.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 59 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the dispensing means comprises: an outer elongated cylinder and an inner elongated cylinder mounted in relatively rotatable coaxial relationship, each cylinder including an elongated slot; and means for causing relative rotation between the cylinders to cause relative movement of the elongated slots between a non-aligned closed position and an aligned dispensing position.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the dispensing means is mounted for horizontal reciprocating movement above the support means.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 22, which further comprises: gear rack means for supporting the dispensing means for the horizontal reciprocating movement above the support means; and drive means for reciprocating the dispensing means on the gear rack means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the dispensing means is mounted for oscillating swinging movement above the support means, and means are provided for oscillating the dispensing means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, which further comprises: means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 38 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein the liquid medium withdrawing-and-feeding means includes a double acting piston in a cylinder, and valve means for controlling flow of the liquid means to and from the piston and the cylinder.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one of the solidifying means and the dispensing means is mounted for vertical movement relative to the fixed support means in the container means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the solidifying means and the dispensing means both are mounted for vertical movement relative to the fixed support means in the container means.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 28, which further comprises means for raising the solidifying means and the dispensing means simultaneously.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the dispensing means is a horizontally extending, movable coating means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 35 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the layer-producing means raises the level of the liquid medium relative to the fixed support means in the container, means to produce each layer of the liquid medium.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 35 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 31, wherein the layer-producing means includes means for dispensing at least a portion of each layer of the liquid medium from above the fixed support means in the container means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 94 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 31, wherein the layer-producing means includes: means for raising the level of the liquid medium so as to form a meniscus around the periphery of a previously solidified cross-sectional portion of the article, to form a portion of the respective layer of the liquid medium; and means for dispensing liquid medium onto the previously solidified cross-sectional portion above the fixed support means in the container means to form the remainder of the layer and so that the meniscus is broken and the liquid medium forms an essentially level surface.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the fixed support means is an apertured plate which permits the passage of liquid medium therethrough.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 16 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the liquid medium solidifying means includes a UV laser.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the liquid medium solidifying means includes a visible light laser.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the fixed support means is an apertured fixed support plate mounted at an intermediate level in the container means.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said liquid medium level reducing means includes valve means for causing draining of said liquid medium from around the formed three-dimensional article.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 25 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, which further comprises means for transferring the unsolidified liquid medium removed from around the article to said layer-producing means.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said container means include a tank means within which the three-dimensional article is formed and a reservoir means for holding a supply of said liquid medium.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 16 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein said reservoir means is positioned below said tank means.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein said fixed support means is part of said tank means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 40, wherein said liquid medium can drain from said tank means into said reservoir means.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 40, which further comprises means for transferring said liquid medium from adjacent a bottom of said reservoir means to said layer-producing means.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said container means comprises: an upper container portion in which said solid three-dimensional article is formed from the liquid medium; and a lower container portion in which the liquid medium is stored.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 167 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means mounted in a fixed position in the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means in the container means, said layer-producing means including means for dispensing at least a portion of the liquid medium layer from above the fixed support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer of the liquid medium, to form a cross-sectional portion of the solid three-dimensional article; means for causing said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means to be alternately and repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reducing the level of unsolidified liquid medium in the container means from around the formed three-dimensional article while on the fixed support means.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 167 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means mounted in a fixed position in the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means in the container means, said layer-producing means including means for dispensing at least a portion of the liquid medium layer from above the fixed support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer of the liquid medium, to form a cross-sectional portion of the solid three-dimensional article; means for causing said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means to be alternately and repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reducing the level of unsolidified liquid medium in the container means from around the formed three-dimensional article while on the fixed support means.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 28 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 46, wherein the dispensing means is mounted for both horizontal and vertical movement relative to the fixed support means in the container means.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 215 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; separate support means mounted in a fixed position above a bottom of the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed and providing fluid communication between portions of the container means above and below the support means; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means, said layer-producing means including dispensing means for dispensing liquid medium from above the three-dimensional article being made and means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means below the fixed support means and feeding the liquid medium to the dispensing means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer of the liquid medium, to form a cross-sectional portion of the solid three-dimensional article; means for raising said solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium; means for causing said liquid medium layer-producing, solidifying and raising means to be alternately and repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reusing unsolidified liquid medium from around the formed three-dimensional article.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 215 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; separate support means mounted in a fixed position above a bottom of the container means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed and providing fluid communication between portions of the container means above and below the support means; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means, said layer-producing means including dispensing means for dispensing liquid medium from above the three-dimensional article being made and means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means below the fixed support means and feeding the liquid medium to the dispensing means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer of the liquid medium, to form a cross-sectional portion of the solid three-dimensional article; means for raising said solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium; means for causing said liquid medium layer-producing, solidifying and raising means to be alternately and repetitively operated in sequence, as necessary, to complete the solid three-dimensional article; and means for reusing unsolidified liquid medium from around the formed three-dimensional article.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 171 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means, said layer-producing means including horizontally and vertically movable dispenser means of horizontally extending elongated construction for dispensing at least a portion of the liquid medium layer from above the fixed support means in the container means; vertically movable laser means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of such layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; means for raising said dispensing means after dispensing of the liquid medium, and for raising said laser solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium; and means for alternately and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing, solidifying and raising means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 171 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means above the fixed support means, said layer-producing means including horizontally and vertically movable dispenser means of horizontally extending elongated construction for dispensing at least a portion of the liquid medium layer from above the fixed support means in the container means; vertically movable laser means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of such layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; means for raising said dispensing means after dispensing of the liquid medium, and for raising said laser solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium; and means for alternately and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing, solidifying and raising means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 19 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 49, wherein said raising means raises said dispensing means and said solidifying means simultaneously.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 171 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; horizontally movable means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the fixed support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said dispensing means comprising an outer elongated cylinder and an inner elongated cylinder mounted in relatively rotatable coaxial relationship, each cylinder including an elongated slot; means for causing relative rotation between the cylinders of said dispensing means to cause relative movement of the elongated slots between a non-aligned closed position and an aligned dispensing position; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 171 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; horizontally movable means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the fixed support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said dispensing means comprising an outer elongated cylinder and an inner elongated cylinder mounted in relatively rotatable coaxial relationship, each cylinder including an elongated slot; means for causing relative rotation between the cylinders of said dispensing means to cause relative movement of the elongated slots between a non-aligned closed position and an aligned dispensing position; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 139 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article form a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, gear rack means for supporting the dispensing means for horizontal reciprocating movement above the support means; drive means for reciprocating the dispensing means on the gear rack means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 139 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article form a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, gear rack means for supporting the dispensing means for horizontal reciprocating movement above the support means; drive means for reciprocating the dispensing means on the gear rack means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 130 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said dispensing means being mounted for oscillating swinging movement above the support means; means for oscillating the dispensing means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 130 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: container means for holding the liquid medium; support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said dispensing means being mounted for oscillating swinging movement above the support means; means for oscillating the dispensing means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 130 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article form a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; and means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 130 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article form a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; and means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 54, wherein said dispensing means is a horizontally extending elongated tube extending substantially parallel to said support means and mounted for horizontal reciprocable movement above said support means.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 40 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 54, wherein the liquid medium withdrawing-and-feeding means includes an intermittently operated double acting piston in a cylinder, and valve means for controlling flow of the liquid medium to and from the piston and the cylinder.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 159 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; elongated tube means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the fixed support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said elongated tube means extending horizontally and substantially parallel to said fixed support means; means for supporting the elongated tube means for horizontal reciprocating movement above the fixed support means; drive means for reciprocating the elongated tube means on the tube support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 159 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: fixed container means for holding the liquid medium; fixed support means in the container means, for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; elongated tube means for dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the fixed support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the container means, said elongated tube means extending horizontally and substantially parallel to said fixed support means; means for supporting the elongated tube means for horizontal reciprocating movement above the fixed support means; drive means for reciprocating the elongated tube means on the tube support means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer in accordance with a design for the three-dimensional article; and means for alternatively and repetitively operating said liquid medium layer-producing and solidifying means, as necessary, to form the solid three-dimensional article.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 43 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 57, which further comprises: mean for raising said tube support means and said drive means after the dispensing of the liquid medium, and for raising said solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 62 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 57, wherein said drive means comprises: a drive motor mounted above the elongated tube dispensing means; at least one rotatable drive shaft drivingly engaged with said support means for said elongated tube dispensing means and mounted above said fixed article support means; and means for drivingly connecting said motor to said at least one rotatable drive shaft.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 43 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 59, which further comprises: means for raising said tube support means and said drive motor after the dispensing of the liquid medium, and for raising said solidifying means after solidification of the preselected cross-section of the liquid medium.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 15 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 60, wherein said fixed support means is an apertured plate.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 61, wherein said apertured plate is mounted at an intermediate level in said container means.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 45 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 60, which further comprises means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from a lower portion of the container means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means, to cause intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 15 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 63, wherein the fixed support means is an apertured plate.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 64, wherein the apertured plate is mounted at an intermediate level in the container means.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 182 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: tank means for holding the liquid medium during forming of the solid three-dimensional article; fixed means in the tank means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; reservoir means for holding a supply of the liquid medium; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the tank means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from adjacent a bottom of said reservoir means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means, to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium; and means for draining unsolidified liquid medium from the tank means back into the reservoir means, said tank means, reservoir means, dispensing means, withdrawing-and-feeding means and draining means forming a closed-loop, recirculating flow path for said liquid medium.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 182 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: tank means for holding the liquid medium during forming of the solid three-dimensional article; fixed means in the tank means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; reservoir means for holding a supply of the liquid medium; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the tank means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from adjacent a bottom of said reservoir means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means, to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium; and means for draining unsolidified liquid medium from the tank means back into the reservoir means, said tank means, reservoir means, dispensing means, withdrawing-and-feeding means and draining means forming a closed-loop, recirculating flow path for said liquid medium.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 66, which further comprises filter means for removing extraneous solidified material from the liquid medium as it circulates in the closed loop, recirculating flow path.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 164 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: tank means for holding the liquid medium during forming of the solid three-dimensional article; a fixed support in the tank means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; reservoir means positioned below said tank means for holding a supply of the liquid medium; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the tank means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means, to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium; and means for draining unsolidified liquid medium from the tank means into the lower reservoir means for reuse.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 164 words

Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium capable of solidification when subjected to prescribed energy, which comprises: tank means for holding the liquid medium during forming of the solid three-dimensional article; a fixed support in the tank means for supporting the solid three-dimensional article being formed; reservoir means positioned below said tank means for holding a supply of the liquid medium; means for intermittently dispensing at least a portion of such liquid medium from above the support means for producing a layer of the liquid medium in the tank means; means for solidifying a preselected cross-section of the produced layer, to form a layer of the solid three-dimensional article; means for intermittently withdrawing a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir means and feeding the withdrawn liquid medium to the dispensing means, to cause the intermittent dispensing of the liquid medium; and means for draining unsolidified liquid medium from the tank means into the lower reservoir means for reuse.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 31 words

Apparatus as recited in claim 68, which further comprises filter means for removing extraneous solidified material from the liquid medium as it drains from the tank means into the reservoir means.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-12-09	1995-06-10	1995-12-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-12-09	1999-06-10	1999-12-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
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Apparatus for forming a solid three-dimensional article from a liquid medium

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