Deposition tool with interchangeable material bay
US10118339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23P2020/253
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Technologies are provided herein for a modular deposition tool design that allows for both, the fast interchanging of materials and for easy cleaning of all wetted surfaces. A drive assembly for use in a solid freeform fabrication system, includes a drive module having a drive mechanism and a detachable material bay assembly that is detachable from the drive module. The material bay assembly includes a material bay holder, a material deposition tool, and a corresponding material bay actuation mechanism that can engage with the drive mechanism of the drive module when the material bay assembly is coupled to the drive module such that when the drive mechanism of the drive module is actuated, the material bay actuation mechanism is actuated, which causes the material deposition tool to deposit material from a material bay inserted in the material bay holder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.