Thomas A Berfield

Title: Thomas A. Berfield and Additive Manufacturing of Piezoelectric Structures.

Introduction

Thomas A. Berfield is an inventor associated with the University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., in Louisville, Kentucky. His work includes an invention focused on using ultrasound during additive manufacturing to produce structures with selectable piezoelectric properties.

Latest Patents

Berfield is named on 1 patent: “In-Process Ultrasonic Polling of 3D Printed Crystalline/Semi-Crystalline Electroactive Polymers.” The patent describes methods and systems for producing structures with selectable piezoelectric properties through additive manufacturing.

The disclosed method couples an ultrasound-generating device to a printer’s print head and transmits acoustic energy to vibrate it. Feed material is extruded as the print head moves relative to a supporting substrate, with successive layers deposited to form the structure. The described system combines a movable print head with an ultrasound-generating device connected to it.

Career Highlights

Berfield’s listed patent highlights an approach that integrates ultrasonic energy with 3D printing. The invention is directed toward controlling the piezoelectric properties of printed crystalline or semi-crystalline electroactive polymer structures.

Collaborations

Berfield’s listed coworkers include Alireza Tofangchi and Keng Hsu. His patent is associated with the University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.

Conclusion

Thomas A. Berfield’s patent presents an additive-manufacturing technique that uses ultrasonic vibration to help produce structures with selectable piezoelectric properties.