Impossible Objects, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160082695 | Three-Dimensional Printed Composite Articles - A 3D object according to the invention comprises substrate layers infiltrated by a hardened material. The 3D object is fabricated by a method comprising the following steps: Position powder on all or part of a substrate layer. Repeat this step for the remaining substrate layers. Stack the substrate layers. Transform the powder into a substance that flows and subsequently hardens into the hardened material. The hardened material solidifies in a spatial pattern that infiltrates positive regions in the substrate layers and does not infiltrate negative regions in the substrate layers. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is carbon fiber and excess substrate is removed by abrasion. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082658 | Methods for Fabricating Three-Dimensional Printed Composites - A 3D object according to the invention comprises substrate layers infiltrated by a hardened material. The 3D object is fabricated by a method comprising the following steps: Position powder on all or part of a substrate layer. Repeat this step for the remaining substrate layers. Stack the substrate layers. Transform the powder into a substance that flows and subsequently hardens into the hardened material. The hardened material solidifies in a spatial pattern that infiltrates positive regions in the substrate layers and does not infiltrate negative regions in the substrate layers. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is carbon fiber and excess substrate is removed by abrasion. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082657 | Apparatus for Fabricating Three-Dimensional Printed Composites - A 3D object according to the invention comprises substrate layers infiltrated by a hardened material. The 3D object is fabricated by a method comprising the following steps: Position powder on all or part of a substrate layer. Repeat this step for the remaining substrate layers. Stack the substrate layers. Transform the powder into a substance that flows and subsequently hardens into the hardened material. The hardened material solidifies in a spatial pattern that infiltrates positive regions in the substrate layers and does not infiltrate negative regions in the substrate layers. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is carbon fiber and excess substrate is removed by abrasion. | 03-24-2016 |
20150158246 | Tow Stabilization Method and Apparatus - A tow stabilization method includes applying liquid to a tow having fibers arranged into a non-stabilized spread-out fiber web, applying powder to the web to adhere the powder where liquid was applied, removing powder from where it did not adhere, and fusing the powder remaining on the web to stabilize the fiber arrangement. The liquid may be volatile. The step of fusing may include heating the fiber web. The liquid and/or powder may be selectively applied. Selective application of powder may be used without application of liquid or powder removal. A tow stabilization apparatus includes a liquid applicator, powder applicator, powder remover, and powder fuser. The liquid applicator may include spray nozzles, applicators based on miniature solenoid valves, inkjet printing heads, and roll applicators. The powder remover may include rollers, air blasters, vibrators, sound wave generators, and vacuums. The powder fuser may include heat applicators and chemical reaction initiators. | 06-11-2015 |
20140257549 | Methods and Apparatus for Photosculpture - A 3D object (the “New Object”) is fabricated layer by layer by 3D printing. The shape and relative dimensions of the various parts of the New Object match that of another 3D object (the “Target Object”). In addition, the exterior of the New Object appears to be a photographic likeness of the Target Object. The “photographic” likeness is created by variations in visual characteristics of materials in the layers comprising the New Object, and in particular by variations at or near the surface of the New Object. Thus, the photographic likeness is an integral part of these layers comprising the New Object. An object is scanned, from which a texture map is obtained. A CAD model is sliced into slices (bit maps files) which are then colored by a program with the boundary to match the color or gray scale to color the appropriate pixels, derived from the texture map. | 09-11-2014 |
20140238173 | Methods and Apparatus for Construction of Machine Tools - Cement or other liquid-like material fills the hollow tubes of a machine tool under construction. The machine tool structures are held rigidly against a fixture while the substance dries. The machine tool so constructed is relatively lightweight and rigid, and obviates the need for precision machining of large portions of the apparatus. | 08-28-2014 |