Patent ID: 6080343
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
A method for freeform fabrication of a structure, the structure having a shape, the structure being formed by a plurality of patches, comprising, in the order presented, the steps of:a) configuring a reconfigurable forming apparatus to a configuration for forming one patch of the plurality of patches forming a portion of said shape and moving said forming apparatus to a proper spatial position with manipulating means,i) wherein said reconfigurable forming apparatus comprises a reconfigurable forming surface having a first adjustable surface contour, and an opposing flexible mold assembly, andii) wherein said configuring step comprises the steps of adjusting said first adjustable surface contour to match said portion of said shape;b) providing material to said forming apparatus at said position, wherein said providing step comprises placing said material between said reconfigurable forming surface and said opposing flexible mold assembly;c) shaping said material between said reconfigurable forming surface and said opposing flexible mold assembly to form said patch;d) curing said patch; ande) sequentially advancing said reconfigurable forming apparatus to a plurality of other spatial positions each corresponding to a portion of said shape and there repeating steps a), b), c) and d) until said structure is formed.