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:
Dec. 12, 2000
Filed:
Feb. 08, 1999
Rajeev B Kulkarni, Burbank, CA (US);
Chris R Manners, Moorpark, CA (US);
3D Systems, Inc., Valencia, CA (US);
Abstract
A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects with simplified correlation of building parameters with object data. Object data is preferably correlated to (1) object build parameters that are used in solidifying object portions of layers of the material, (2) recoating parameters that are used in forming layers of material that include object data, (3) support build parameters that are used in solidifying support portions of layers of the material, (4) recoating parameters that are used in forming layers of material that include support data but no object data, and (5) parameters for use in generating a support structure that will be used to support the object during its formation. A style file is identified with each set of parameters. An algorithm (i.e. style wizard) is used to select among a plurality of styles of each type. The algorithm derives successively narrowing groups of compatible styles, for a particular build, based on answers to a series of questions until a final singular group of compatible styles is identified. This final group of styles is used in the formation of the object. This process results in fewer errors in deriving groups of styles and increases the probability of successful build processes.