The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 10, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 15, 1997
Nanotek Instruments, Inc., Opelika, AL (US);
Abstract
A process and apparatus for making three-dimensional, composite material objects of a predetermined shape by sequentially depositing multiple layers of continuous reinforcement fibers and solidifying matrix material on a base member in a desired pattern. The apparatus comprises (a) a movable nozzle having a flow passage and a dispensing outlet, (b) a supply of reinforcement fibers and a matrix material, a mixing device for impregnating the fibers with a matrix material to form a preimpregnated tow, and a heating device for introducing the matrix material in a fluid state, (c) a base member to support the object being made, (d) mechanical movement devices for moving the base member relative to the movable nozzle in a predetermined sequence and pattern, and for displacing the movable nozzle a predetermined incremental distance relative to the base member and relative to each successive layer deposited prior to the start of the formation of each successive layer to form multiple layers of composite material of a predetermined thickness, and (e) a metering device for discharging the preimpregnated tow at a predetermined rate onto the base member. The apparatus preferably further comprises (f) a computer-aided design computer and supporting software programs that are capable of creating a three-dimensional drawing of a desired object and converting the drawing into multiple elevation layer data, and (g) a three-dimensional motion controller electronically linked to the mechanical movement devices and operative to actuate these movement devices in response to the drive signals received from the computer.