Patent ID: 7614866

Claim:
A solid imaging apparatus for creating a build layer-by-layer, said apparatus comprising: a) an image plane assembly comprising a rigid surface transparent to solid imaging radiation; b) a build platform located adjacent to said rigid transparent surface on one side thereof for receiving a build pad and supporting a build thereon, said build platform elevatingly disposed with respect to said rigid transparent surface; c) at least one source of solid imaging radiation for illuminating said rigid transparent surface opposite said build platform; d) an elevator for moving said build platform with respect to said rigid transparent surface; e) a cartridge comprising: (i) a cartridge housing; (ii) a source of solid imaging build material contained in said cartridge housing; and (iii) an extendable and retractable reciprocating transport surface contained in said cartridge housing and transparent to solid imaging radiation for transporting build material layer-by-layer from said source of build material to said image plane between said build platform and said rigid transparent surface, whereby said elevator moves said build platform for supporting a build and build pad into and out of solid imaging contact with the build material on said transport surface for illumination from said at least one source of solid imaging radiation through said rigid surface and said transport surface; and f) a controller in controlling communication with said apparatus, whereby a build is alternately coated and imaged with layers of solid imaging build material.