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Apparatus and method for creating three-dimensional modeling data from an object

  • US 5,621,648 A
  • Filed: 08/02/1994
  • Issued: 04/15/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for producing electronic data representations of an object, the object being formed from at least one material, said apparatus comprising:

  • a material removal station;

    a data gathering station; and

    a shuttle providing relative movement of the object between said stations;

    wherein said material removal station comprises;

    means for removing a predetermined layer of material from the object;

    wherein said data gathering station comprises;

    means for successively imaging the object after removal of a predetermined layer; and

    means for storing data gathered by said means for imaging; and

    wherein said shuttle comprises;

    a table for holding the object;

    means for moving said table in a first, substantially linear direction between a first position in which said table is at said data gathering station in imaging alignment with said means for successively imaging the object, and a second position in which said table is at said material removal station in material removing alignment with said means for removing a layer of material; and

    a first sensor for determining when said table is at said data gathering station in imaging alignment with said means for successively imaging the object;

    means for moving said table in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction into and out of relative material removing engagement with said means for removing a pre-determined layer of material; and

    a second sensor for determining when said table is at said material removing station in relative material removing engagement with said means for removing material.

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