Three-dimensional hard copy apparatus
US7311512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/38
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A three-dimensional hard copy apparatus including: a shape forming unit including plural display pins having a contact unit, which selectively contacts a thermoplastic sheet, and moves relative to a display surface and is capable of forming a predetermined pattern; a drive unit that selectively drives the plural display pins; a lock sheet that holds the positions of the plural display pins; and a fan that moves the thermoplastic sheet in a direction of the shape forming unit and brings the thermoplastic sheet into press contact with the shape forming unit, wherein the apparatus forms the predetermined pattern with the shape forming unit, holds the plural display pins with the lock sheet, and brings the thermoplastic sheet and the shape forming unit with the fan to mold a pattern of a shape matching the predetermined pattern, which is formed by the shape forming unit, on the thermoplastic sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.