FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A fused filament fabrication system comprising:
- a drive gear coupling to a motor during operation, the drive gear selectively operatively engaging first or second sets of idler gears during operation of the system;
first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament being positioned between said first idler gear shaft and idler bearing and said second filament being positioned between said second idler gear shaft and idler bearing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fused filament fabrication system and method comprises a motor for moving the system along a linear rail during operation, a drive gear coupled to the motor. The drive gear rotates in the direction of the motor during operation and selectively operatively engages first or second idler gears during operation of the system. The system also comprises first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament is positioned between the first idler gear shaft and idler bearing and the second filament is positioned between the second idler gear shaft and idler bearing.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A fused filament fabrication system comprising:
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a drive gear coupling to a motor during operation, the drive gear selectively operatively engaging first or second sets of idler gears during operation of the system; first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament being positioned between said first idler gear shaft and idler bearing and said second filament being positioned between said second idler gear shaft and idler bearing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A fused filament fabrication system comprising:
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a drive gear coupling to a motor during operation, the drive gear selectively operatively engaging first or second idler gears during operation of the system; and first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament being positioned between said first idler gear shaft and a first idler bearing and said second filament being positioned between said second idler gear shaft and a second idler bearing; said system during use dispensing material from said first filament when said first idler gear is engaged by said drive gear while said second filament remains free from dispensing, and said system during use dispensing material from said second filament when said second idler gear is engaged by said drive gear while the first filament remains free from dispensing. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A fused filament fabrication system comprising:
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a drive gear coupling to a motor during operation , the drive gear selectively operatively engaging first or second sets of idler gears during operation of the system; first and second filaments for the selective passage of material to corresponding first and second extruders, the first filament being positioned between said first idler gear shaft and a first idler bearing and said second filament being positioned between said second idler gear shaft and a second idler bearing; and a latch coupled to an actuation device for selectively controlling the selective engagement and release of said first and second idler gears during the change of directional rotation of said drive gear such that retraction of material in said first and second filaments is controlled; said system during use dispensing material from said first filament when said first idler gear is engaged by said drive gear while said second filament remains free from dispensing, and said system during use dispensing material from said second filament when said second idler gear is engaged by said drive gear while the first filament remains free from dispensing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification