Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2002
Title: **Innovations of Erjian Ma: Pioneering 3-D Fabrication**
Introduction
Erjian Ma, based in Auburn, AL, is a distinguished inventor known for his significant contributions to the field of three-dimensional (3-D) fabrication. With a total of four patents to his name, Ma has been pivotal in advancing technologies that revolutionize how 3-D objects are created and manipulated.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions, Erjian Ma holds patents for two notable methods that enhance the fabrication of 3-D objects.
The first is the **Layer-additive method and apparatus for freeform fabrication of 3-D objects**. This innovative approach involves fabricating a 3-D object using porous solid preform layers and a pore-filling material. The method includes a series of steps: providing a work surface, feeding and dispensing materials onto he preform layers, stacking layers in the Z-direction, and ultimately forming a unitary body by affixing the layers together. A crucial part of this process is the removal of support structures by exposing un-hardened areas to a support-collapsing environment, leading to the final 3-D object.
The second patent, titled **Rapid prototyping and tooling system**, describes a solid freeform fabrication process that utilizes a material deposition sub-system to deposit solidifiable liquid compositions onto a work surface. The method emphasizes precision by controlling the focus of heat and creating a weld pool of molten materials, which solidify to form individual layers of the object. This technique allows for enhanced accuracy and the construction of complex shapes through a controlled layering process.
Career Highlights
Erjian Ma has worked with Nanotek Instruments, Inc., where he applied his expertise in 3-D fabrication technologies. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing methodologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes.
Collaborations
During his journey as an inventor, Erjian Ma collaborated with notable colleagues such as Bor Z Jang and C. Jeff Wang. These partnerships have contributed to the development of innovative techniques and solutions in the realm of 3-D fabrication.
Conclusion
Erjian Ma's inventive spirit and dedication to enhancing 3-D fabrication technology continue to leave a significant mark in the field. His latest patents not only showcase his technical ingenuity but also highlight the potential for further advancements in manufacturing processes that can shape the future of production in various industries.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.