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:
Apr. 11, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 05, 1999
Thomas A Almquist, San Gabriel, CA (US);
Charles W Hull, Santa Clarita, CA (US);
Borzo Modrek, Montebello, CA (US);
Paul F Jacobs, La Crescenta, CA (US);
Charles W Lewis, Sherman Oaks, CA (US);
Adam L Cohen, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Stuart T Spence, So. Pasadena, CA (US);
Hop D Nguyen, Littlerock, CA (US);
Mark A Lewis, Valencia, CA (US);
Abraham Liran, Northridge, CA (US);
Dennis R Smalley, Baldwin Park, CA (US);
3D Systems, Inc., Valencia, CA (US);
Abstract
Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A 'winged' member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a 'Trident' embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.