US5572431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for thermal normalization in three-dimensional article manufacturing
Assignee: BPM Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1994-10-19
•
Granted: 1996-11-05
•
Expires: 2014-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in contact with the surface portions. Thermal energy may also be supplied by a radiation source. The thermal normalization may be performed after a predetermined number of successive layers are dispensed. Related methods are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert B. Brown
- 👤 Charles F. Kirschman
- 👤 Herbert E. Menhennett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:46
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C67/00; B29C67/0048; B29B; B29B13/00; B29B13/02; B29B13/023; B29C41/00; B29C41/34; B29C41/36; B29C64/00; B29C64/10; B29C64/106; B29C64/112; B29C67/0044; B33; B33Y; B33Y10/00; B33Y30/00; B33Y40/00; B33Y50/00; B33Y50/02; B29C35/00; B29C35/02; B29C35/08; B29C35/0805; B29C2035/0822; B29C2035/0838
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; and thermal normalization means positioned adjacent said platform for dimensionally normalizing solidified portions of the article during construction thereof by heating, melting, and displacing predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; and thermal normalization means positioned adjacent said platform for dimensionally normalizing solidified portions of the article during construction thereof by heating, melting, and displacing predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said thermal normalizing means comprises a heater, and a body in thermal communication with said heater; and wherein said body has a contact surface for contacting predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said thermal normalizing means further comprises positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said positioning means comprises means for moving said body in three directions relative to said platform.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said positioning means further comprises means for rotating said body about two axes relative to said platform thereby defining five degrees of freedom of movement for said body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means to advance said body to displace melted build material to a predetermined side of a portion of the article being constructed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said body carries a bead of melted build material when said body is advanced in contact with dispensed build material, and further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means to withdraw said body outwardly and away from a predetermined portion of dispensed build material so as to deposit the bead of melted build material carried by said body onto the predetermined portion of dispensed build material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the contact surface has a generally bulbous shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said body has a tubular end portion defining a channel for facilitating removal of heated build material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the contact surface has a predetermined shape for forming a corresponding shape on predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said body is cylindrical, and wherein said predetermined shape of the contact surface is planar and generally perpendicular to an axis defined by said body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said body is cylindrical, and wherein the contact surface is planar and is canted at a predetermined angle from perpendicular to an axis defined by said body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said body is electrically conductive.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said thermal normalizing means further comprises a release coating on the contact surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said thermal normalizing means comprises a radiation source, and means for guiding radiation from said radiation source onto predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said build material dispensing means comprises means for ballistically jetting build material.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said positioning means comprises means for moving said body in three directions relative to said platform.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said positioning means further comprises means for rotating said body about two axes relative to said platform thereby defining five degrees of freedom of movement for said body.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means to advance said body to displace melted build material to a predetermined side of a portion of the article being constructed.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
81 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said body carries a bead of melted build material when said body is advanced in contact with dispensed build material, and further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for withdrawing said body outwardly and away from a predetermined portion of dispensed build material so as to deposit the bead of melted build material carried by said body at the predetermined portion of dispensed build material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said body has a contact surface with a generally bulbous shape.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said body has a contact surface with a predetermined shape for forming a corresponding shape on predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising a release coating on said body.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; ballistic jetting means, positioned adjacent said platform, for ballistically jetting meltable and solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after jetting; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that the contact surface contacts, heats, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of jetted solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; ballistic jetting means, positioned adjacent said platform, for ballistically jetting meltable and solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after jetting; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that the contact surface contacts, heats, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of jetted solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 27 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means to advance said body to displace melted build material to a predetermined side of a portion of the article being constructed.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 27 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means for withdrawing said body from a predetermined portion of jetted build material to deposit a bead of melted build material carried by said body onto the predetermined portion of dispensed build material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 27 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein the contact surface has a predetermined shape for forming a corresponding shape on predetermined portions of jetted build material.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for thermally normalizing a three-dimensional article during construction thereof by dispensing solidifiable build material upon a platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing, said apparatus comprising: a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that the contact surface contacts, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
94 words
An apparatus for thermally normalizing a three-dimensional article during construction thereof by dispensing solidifiable build material upon a platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing, said apparatus comprising: a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that the contact surface contacts, melts, and displaces predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means to advance said body to displace melted build material to a predetermined side of a portion of the article being constructed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for withdrawing said body from a predetermined portion of dispensed build material to deposit a bead of melted build material carried by said body at the predetermined portion of dispensed build material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, and wherein said processor comprises means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the contact surface has a predetermined shape for forming a corresponding shape on predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a release coating on the contact surface.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said method comprising the steps of: dispensing solidifiable build material upon a platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; and heating, melting and displacing predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said method comprising the steps of: dispensing solidifiable build material upon a platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data and which layers solidify after dispensing; and heating, melting and displacing predetermined solidified portions of dispensed solidified build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 38 further comprising the step of displacing heated predetermined portions of build material so as to dimensionally normalize the article during construction thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 39 wherein the steps of heating and displacing comprise advancing a heated body along a predetermined path of travel so that a contact surface of the body contacts predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 40 wherein the step of advancing comprises advancing the body to displace heated build material to a predetermined side of a portion of the article being constructed.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 40 further comprising the step of withdrawing the body from a predetermined portion of dispensed build material to deposit a bead of melted build material carried by the body at the predetermined portion of dispensed build material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 40 further comprising the step of advancing the body in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 40 wherein the body and the build material are electrically conductive, and further comprising the step of electrically sensing contact between the body and the electrically conductive build material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 38 wherein said melting step comprises generating and guiding radiation onto predetermined portions of dispensed build material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 38 wherein the step of dispensing build material comprises the step of ballistically jetting build material.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article, said positioning means comprising means for moving said body in three directions relative to said platform and means for rotating said body about two axes relative to said platform thereby defining five degrees of freedom of movement for said body.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article, said positioning means comprising means for moving said body in three directions relative to said platform and means for rotating said body about two axes relative to said platform thereby defining five degrees of freedom of movement for said body.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 47 further comprising a release coating on said body.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 47 wherein said body comprises electrically conductive material.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article; and a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, said processor comprising means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater; positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article; and a processor operatively connected to said positioning means, said processor comprising means for controlling said positioning means so that said body is advanced in alternating predetermined paths of travel in successive operations.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said positioning means includes means for positioning said body along five degrees of freedom of movement.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 50 further comprising a release coating on said body.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said body comprises electrically conductive material.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface with a generally bulbous shape; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a contact surface with a generally bulbous shape; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said positioning means includes means for positioning said body along five degrees of freedom of movement.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 54 further comprising a release coating on the contact surface of said body.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said body comprises electrically conductive material.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a tubular end portion defining a channel for facilitating removal of heated build material; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprising: a platform; build material dispensing means positioned adjacent said platform for dispensing build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; a heater; a body in thermal communication with said heater, said body having a tubular end portion defining a channel for facilitating removal of heated build material; and positioning means for advancing said body along a predetermined path of travel so that said body heats predetermined portions of dispensed build material at predetermined intervals during construction of the article.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said positioning means includes means for positioning said body along five degrees of freedom of movement.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 58 further comprising a release coating on the contact surface of said body.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said body comprises electrically conductive material.
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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) | 1999-11-05 | 2000-05-06 | 2000-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-11-05 | 2004-05-06 | 2004-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-11-05 | 2008-05-06 | 2008-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |