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:
Nov. 16, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 02, 1997
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a laminated object using a laser-discharging means a laser beam, a material capable of forming a solid layer by receiving the laser beam, and a mask for interrupting the laser beam. The method includes the steps of: forming a layer of the material on a surface, covering the material with the mask, and discharging the laser beam onto the material covered with the mask to solidify the material and form the solid layer on the surface. The above cycle is repeated to produce a laminated object. The method and the apparatus are characterized in the adjusting at least one of a distance from the laser-discharging means to the mask and a distance from the mask to the material, so that the extent of the laser beam is adjusted and the dimension of the laminated object is adjusted.