Patent ID: 7033160
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
1. A selective deposition modeling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object from a curable material in a build chamber, the apparatus receiving data corresponding to layers of the three-dimensional object, the apparatus comprising: a support platform affixed to the apparatus for supporting the three-dimensional object in the build environment; a dispensing means affixed to the apparatus and in communication with the support platform for dispensing the curable material in the build chamber according to the computer data to form the layers of the three-dimensional object; a flash exposure device affixed to the apparatus in the build chamber for curing the dispensed material, the flash exposure device being in communication with the support platform; and, a cooling system for providing steady state cooling of the flash exposure device, the cooling system comprising: a) an air-moving device creating a first flow of air; b) a venturi duct connected to the air moving device having an inlet end, an exit end, and a restriction chamber between the inlet end and the exit end, the venturi duct receiving the first flow of air at the inlet end and exhausting the flow of air at the exit end, the flow of air establishing a low-pressure zone in the restriction chamber; c) a port in communication with the restriction chamber and operatively engaging the low-pressure zone, the port drawing a second flow of air into the venturi duct through the restriction chamber and the low pressure zone therein so that the port draws air across the flash exposure device, and wherein the low pressure zone in the restriction chamber draws the second flow of air across the flash exposure device at a flow rate that substantially provides steady state cooling of the flash exposure device.