Appeal No. 1997-1380
Application 08/301,508
Pomerantz discloses a CAD-controlled system for the layer-by-
layer production of a three-dimensional physical model made of
radiation polymerizable resin. The system 500, which is
illustrated schematically in Figure 22, includes a mask
producing subsystem 502 and a physical model producing
subsystem 504. Subsystem 502 produces mask-bearing substrates
514 corresponding to respective layers of the physical model.
As described by Pomerantz,
[i]n the physical model producing subsystem 504,
the mask bearing substrate is precisely positioned
in operative engagement with an exposure unit 530 .
. . .
The three dimensional model is built up layer by
layer on a model support surface 534 which can be
selectably positioned along the X and Z axes by suitable
conventional positioning apparatus 536. Initially the
model support surface 534 is located in operative
engagement with and under a resin applicator 540 . . . .
Applicator 540 . . . is operative to provide a
layer 550 of resin onto support surface 534 which
layer is of generally uniform thickness, typically
0.15 mm. Following application of a resin layer
thereto, the surface 534 is positioned in operative
engagement with, and under exposure unit 530, such
that the mask [515] formed on substrate 514 lies
intermediate the light source and the layer 550 in
proximity to layer 550 . . . permitting exposure
of the layer 550 through the mask 515 and consequent
hardening of the exposed regions of the layer 550.
. . .
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