Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080226346 | Inkjet Solid Imaging System and Method for Solid Imaging - Solid imaging apparatus and methods for use are disclosed that reduce the amount of uncured solid imaging build material remaining on a completed build object following the completion of the solid imaging build process. The amount of uncured build material is reduced through the use of either an uncoating web that removes excess build material from the build object during the course of the building process or an ink jet source of build material that uses only as much build material as is necessary for the fabrication of the build part. Also disclosed is an imager assembly for use with such a solid imaging apparatus that incorporates two or more individual imagers in an array and accounts for variations in the intensity and alignment of adjacent imagers. The apparatus can be modified for semi-continuous operation and for integrating into a manufacturing operation, if desired. | 09-18-2008 |
20080231731 | IMAGER AND METHOD FOR CONSISTENT REPEATABLE ALIGNMENT IN A SOLID IMAGING APPARATUS - A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane. | 09-25-2008 |
20090283109 | Methods for Cleaning and Curing Solid Freeform Fabrication Parts - A post-processing system is provided for cleaning and/or curing a part produced by solid freeform fabrication (SFF). The post-processing systems include a housing, a part retaining device to retain the part within the housing, and an actinic radiation source to cure the part with actinic radiation. The systems also include a fluid circulation device adapted to expose the part to cleaning fluid and/or to allow the cleaning fluid to absorb actinic radiation to permit filtration of removed build material to allow extended use of the cleaning fluid. Certain systems include a first rotating portion that can rotate the retained part about a first axis, and further systems include a second rotating portion that can rotate the retained part about a second axis. The systems also include additional features to provide safe and efficient cleaning and/or curing of parts produced by SFF. | 11-19-2009 |
20110272857 | Elevator and Method for Tilting Solid Image Build Platform for Reducing Air Entrainment and for Build Release - A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane. | 11-10-2011 |
20110305810 | COOKING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF COOKING - An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly. | 12-15-2011 |
20120012466 | Modular Cartridge System for Apparatus Producing Cleaning and/or Sanitizing Solutions - The presently disclosed subject matter comprises a method and system for producing cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions using a replaceable cartridge system. Particularly, the consumables needed to electrochemically or chemically produce the cleaning and/or sanitizing solutions can be supplied in a cartridge in a quantity measured to last for the chosen design life of the cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge can comprise cleaning and/or sanitizing precursors that can be pre-prepared and supplied in a highly concentrated form. | 01-19-2012 |
20120078673 | DYNAMIC QUEUEING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure describes a dynamic queueing and management system. The system utilizes the desired completion time in determining where to place new orders into the queue of orders to be fulfilled. If the desired completion time changes, the position of the corresponding order is adjusted within the queue. In some embodiments, the desired completion time is determined based on the location of the customer, either within the store or en route to the store. The queueing and management system may also separate the order input function from the order fulfillment and delivery functions. This may optimize each part of the process and allow faster service. | 03-29-2012 |
20120148713 | COOKING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF COOKING - An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly. | 06-14-2012 |
20120181718 | Method for Making Foam-In-Place Cushions With Selective Distribution of Foam - A method for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape. | 07-19-2012 |
20130078325 | Solid Imaging Systems, Components Thereof, and Methods of Solid Imaging - There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material. | 03-28-2013 |
20130139665 | Slicing Apparatus - An improved slicer having a reciprocating blade is disclosed. The use of a reciprocating blade allows the configuration and functionality of the slicer to be modified to address many of the deficiencies of current rotary slicers. The slicer operates without manual intervention, and includes the capability to automatically stack the sliced products. In other words, the food product to be sliced is placed on the slicer, and the slicer automatically slices the food product and stacks the sliced product, in a configuration that is presentable to the customer. In some embodiments, the machine is designed to have certain zones that can be cleaned or replaced, while the rest of the machine is never contaminated. In addition, the reciprocating blade is inexpensive and easily replaceable, thereby eliminating the need to sharpen the blade. | 06-06-2013 |
20130216437 | APPARATUS FOR THE GENERATION OF CLEANING AND/OR SANITIZING SOLUTIONS - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir. | 08-22-2013 |
20140084517 | Solid Imaging Systems, Components Thereof, and Methods of Solid Imaging - There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material. | 03-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080250753 | Apparatus and method for making inflated articles - An apparatus for making inflated containers from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies generally includes (a) a first sealing device for producing a series of transverse seals that bond the film plies together, (b) an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, (c) a second sealing device for producing one or more longitudinal seals that bond the film plies together, the transverse seals and the longitudinal seals intersecting to enclose the gas between the film plies to thereby form one or more inflated containers, and (d) at least one intermediate sealing element for producing one or more intermediate seals within each inflated container, the intermediate seals partitioning the containers into two or more compartments and providing at least one flow passageway between the compartments to allow the compartments to fluidly communicate with one another. | 10-16-2008 |
20090126319 | Packaging Machine and Method - A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto. | 05-21-2009 |
20100251665 | MACHINE FOR INFLATING AND SEALING AN INFLATABLE STRUCTURE - A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge. | 10-07-2010 |
20100251668 | MACHINE FOR INFLATING AND SEALING AN INFLATABLE STRUCTURE - A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge. | 10-07-2010 |
20110107725 | Packaging Machine - A packaging apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto. | 05-12-2011 |
20120072016 | APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO DISPENSE A PLURALITY OF CONNECTED INFLATABLE STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided. | 03-22-2012 |
20140012411 | APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO DISPENSE A PLURALITY OF CONNECTED INFLATABLE STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided. | 01-09-2014 |
20140014257 | Apparatus and Method for Making Inflated Articles - A sealing device generally includes a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface and a heating element disposed about such surface and secured thereto such that the heating element rotates therewith. The heating element is coiled about the outer surface of the cylinder in the form of an overlapping helical pattern. Juxtaposed film plies may be sealed together by bringing the sealing device into rotational contact with the juxtaposed film plies and heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to cause the film plies to seal together. | 01-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110271640 | Apparatus and Method for Forming Inflated Containers - A device for producing a longitudinal seal between two juxtaposed plies of film that are conveyed along a longitudinal path of travel, the juxtaposed film plies including a series of containers therebetween, wherein the device includes a sealing mechanism that forms a sealing zone in the travel path in which the longitudinal seal is produced, and a pressure mechanism that forms a pressure zone in the travel path in which the juxtaposed film plies are compressed, the pressure zone being positioned between the containers and the sealing zone. | 11-10-2011 |
20120273602 | Winding Device - A winding device generally includes a spool, which includes a shaft, a sleeve rotatably coupled to the shaft such that the sleeve and the shaft are capable of partial independent rotation relative to one another, with the sleeve adapted to receive thereon a core onto which a web of material may be wound, and one or more gripping members, which are adapted to engage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a first direction, and disengage the core upon relative rotation of the shaft in a second direction. | 11-01-2012 |
20120289378 | Exercise Apparatus - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a sliding exercise apparatus. In various embodiments, the sliding exercise apparatus includes a sliding unit with a platform, a sliding surface, a motion sensor, and a transmitter. The sliding unit moves in response to pressure applied against the platform, as the sliding surface is adapted to slide along a ground surface in one or more directions. The motion sensor generates activity data based on one or more characteristics of the movement, such as speed, direction, etc. The transmitter sends the activity data to a computing device, which is adapted for processing, storing, and sharing information based on the activity data. | 11-15-2012 |
20140314978 | Inflatable Pouches - A supply of inflatable pouches includes an inflatable web defining a series of inflatable chambers, a longitudinal fold in the web such that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined together at the longitudinal fold, and a series of transverse seals that bond the panels together to form a series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals. | 10-23-2014 |
20150075114 | Machine for Inflating and Sealing an Inflatable Web - A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web, the web including opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of sheets sealed together by transverse seals that form a series of inflatable containers. The machine generally includes a support structure, a spool for supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web conveyance system, an inflation system to inflate the containers, and a sealing device for sealing closed the openings of the containers. | 03-19-2015 |