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:
Oct. 14, 2008
Filed:
Jan. 19, 2006
Thomas Davidson, Arlington, MA (US);
Robert A. Phillips, Acton, MA (US);
Andres T. Hernandes, Malden, MA (US);
David B. Russell, Burlington, MA (US);
Kevin Roche, Lowell, MA (US);
Walter H. Zengerle, Iii, Dedham, MA (US);
Andrew Berlin, Gloucester, MA (US);
Joshua P. Kinsley, Arlington, MA (US);
Benjamin Daniel Sweet-block, Cambridge, MA (US);
Darul Kisai, Sri Hartamas, MY;
Thomas Davidson, Arlington, MA (US);
Robert A. Phillips, Acton, MA (US);
Andres T. Hernandes, Malden, MA (US);
David B. Russell, Burlington, MA (US);
Kevin Roche, Lowell, MA (US);
Walter H. Zengerle, III, Dedham, MA (US);
Andrew Berlin, Gloucester, MA (US);
Joshua P. Kinsley, Arlington, MA (US);
Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block, Cambridge, MA (US);
Darul Kisai, Sri Hartamas, MY;
Z Corporation, Burlington, MA (US);
Abstract
A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.