US 12,138,849 B2
Methods and apparatus for compressing material during additive manufacturing
Kenneth J. Susnjara, Birdseye, IN (US); and Scott G. Vaal, Jasper, IN (US)
Assigned to Thermwood Corporation, Dale, IN (US)
Filed by Thermwood Corporation, Dale, IN (US)
Filed on Jan. 22, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/419,036.
Application 16/572,897 is a division of application No. 15/435,408, filed on Feb. 17, 2017, granted, now 10,449,710, issued on Oct. 22, 2019.
Application 18/419,036 is a continuation of application No. 17/365,352, filed on Jul. 1, 2021, granted, now 11,911,953.
Application 17/365,352 is a continuation of application No. 16/935,981, filed on Jul. 22, 2020, granted, now 11,065,808, issued on Jul. 20, 2021.
Application 16/935,981 is a continuation of application No. 16/572,897, filed on Sep. 17, 2019, granted, now 10,744,709, issued on Aug. 18, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0157628 A1, May 16, 2024
Int. Cl. B29C 64/106 (2017.01); B29C 64/194 (2017.01); B29C 64/218 (2017.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 30/00 (2015.01)
CPC B29C 64/106 (2017.08) [B29C 64/194 (2017.08); B29C 64/218 (2017.08); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An additive manufacturing device, the device comprising:
an applicator having a nozzle configured to deposit material;
a support structure supporting the applicator;
an extruder supported with the support structure;
a positive displacement gear pump configured to receive material from the extruder; and
a roller configured to follow a path of the nozzle as the nozzle deposits the material, wherein the roller comprises:
a center portion having a constant diameter; and
opposed end portions, each end portion extending outwardly from the center portion and having a relief curving away from a radially outermost surface.