Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[MDuffy]

PrintRite 3D-Patent/Patent Pending + great article

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I've gathered, the process for controlling a weld pool size is the part of PrintRite3D currently patented.

According to their slideshow, the method for "Rapid Qualification for Metal Parts" is still patent-pending.

The original patent KIND of touches on it: "A new method of process control for fusion welding maintains a controlled weld pool size or volume, for example in some applications a substantially constant weld pool size or volume. The invention comprises a method of linking machine and process variables to the weld pool size or volume in real time, thereby enabling constant weld pool volume control. The invention further comprises a method of using thermal inverse models to rapidly process real-time data and enable models-based control of welding processes so as to implement constant weld pool volume control."

However the actual process of qualification isn't patented. This would explain why the new application was described as something to "Further Extend PrintRite Capabilities..."

It looks like they filed the provisional Patent application in February. I read this article on provisional applications that puts all of their actions so far into perspective....

http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2013/09/14/the-benefits-of-a-provisional-patent-application/id=45156/

This means that they could have had the basics of PrintRite in the application, and all the testing they've been doing with GE, Honeywell, the rest, have been part of the tweaking process for the final application.

My one concern is that Provisional applications are only good for 12 months... I hope they are ready in time! I was thinking though, perhaps that "3-4 months" Cola mentioned at the shareholder meeting will be the actual Patent?

If they patent their "Rapid Qualification for Metal Parts," does that mean every Metal AM-er will have to use them?

Why is the America Makes group trying to come up with a system if Sigma Labs already has it?

(Confused, and hoping it all plays out in our favor!)

Long and Strong SGLB-