Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) drawing pen can include a housing that has a port that permits insertion of a strand of material into the housing, an actuator for controlling a movement of the strand, and a nozzle assembly configured to permit the strand to be extruded out of the 3D drawing pen in a form that retains its shape against gravity in free space to draw a 3D object.
Abstract:
A modular inflatable structure can be formed using inflatable members that are interconnected together at respective joints. The inflatable member can have a connector integrated therewith or be coupled to a separate connector that interconnects adjacent inflatable members. The connector can have flexible and/or rigid components. The structure can have an assembled position in which the inflatable member is coupled with an adjacent inflatable member and flow is permitted therebetween. The structure can be inflated to form a support or framework that can be used in a variety of applications and industries.
Abstract:
A drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and include a loading mechanism that supports or drives material toward a nozzle assembly of the device. The nozzle assembly has an exit nozzle from which material can be extruded. The drawing device can be configured to receive a cartridge assembly that can be coupled to the housing and be advancement mechanism and/or an automatic retraction mechanism, and allow for multiple operations, including the readying of additional material to be performed using a streamlined, synergistic activation of components, and facilitate disassembly and cleaning.
Abstract:
A candle conversion device is provided that can allow for complete melting and conversion of candle wax to produce a new wax object or candle. The device can include a thermal sleeve couplable with a candle support having a candle engagement member and a drainage passage, which can direct melted wax toward a wax mold having an inner wax cavity with a shape profile to which the melted wax conforms, the thermal sleeve and the candle support configured to conduct and/or radiate thermal energy received from the candle flame between portions of the device and candle.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional drawing device can include a housing configured for to be held in user's hand, shaped to allow manipulation of the housing like a pen, and configured to accept a strand of thermoplastic material. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object. The motor can be controlled using a variable speed control mechanism or first and second actuators, thereby controlling movement of the strand, for example, to advance or retract the strand relative to the nozzle assembly.
Abstract:
An extrusion device can include a driver operatively coupled with a motor such that the driver is rotated about an axis by operation of the motor. The driver can have a passage positioned such that the axis extends through the passage. The driver can have a filament-engaging member positioned in the passage and configured to engage a filament extending through the passage such that rotation of the driver moves the filament relative to the driver. The driver can be positioned such that a first direction of rotation of the driver urges the filament along the axis toward an outlet. A heater can be configured to melt the filament and can be disposed between the driver and the outlet to receive the filament from the driver.